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India assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak has refused to comment on Mohammed Shami’s chances of returning to the national team, saying the decision rests with the selectors.
Shami has been out of India’s plans since the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. However, the experienced Bengal pacer has been making his case through domestic cricket with some impressive performances.
His name has once again come into focus after the BCCI included veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series, which begins on October 22.
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Kotak Says Shami Is Still In The Mix
Speaking about Shami’s possible return, Kotak made it clear that he was not in a position to make any prediction, as he is not part of the selection committee.
“First of all, I am not a selector, so it is difficult for me to tell you that. But Shami is also playing and he is also doing well,” Kotak said.
He added that Shami could be considered if the selectors believe his performances are good enough and the team requires his services.
“If the selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected,” he said.
Shami last represented India in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Since then, he has been trying to work his way back into the national setup through domestic cricket.
Kotak On VVS Laxman’s Reported Role
Kotak was also asked about reports suggesting that VVS Laxman could be involved in selection meetings, particularly when it comes to sharing injury-related information between the selectors and team management.
The India assistant coach said he was not aware of the details of the reported arrangement.
“Honestly, I don’t know. I also came to know about what you just said from you. If any injury-related update is to be communicated by Laxman sir, I believe the decision taken by the BCCI will be purposeful,” Kotak said.
‘He Is Very Particular’, Says Kotak
Kotak, who worked with Laxman for three years at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, spoke about the former India batter’s approach to his responsibilities.
He recalled how Laxman would always put the national team’s requirements first, even when players were working at the Centre of Excellence.
“I worked with Laxman for three years at the Centre of Excellence. He is very particular. When I was there, he used to tell us that if the Indian team has any requirement, our first duty is to fulfil it,” Kotak said.
Kotak also recalled instances when players were allowed to leave their commitments at the Centre of Excellence if the Indian team needed them.
“Sometimes we used to take leave to go home, but if an Indian player was important and the Indian team wanted him immediately, he would tell us to leave (release) him for a week or two. That is how committed he is,” he added.
With Laxman’s reported involvement in a different capacity, Kotak said he expects the former India batter to continue putting the team’s interests first.
“So, whatever role he plays, I am sure he will think about what is best for Indian cricket,” Kotak said.
