Mohammad Shami not included in Asia Cup squad. Is his T20I career over?

India's leading fast bowler Mohammad Shami wasn't named in the 15-member squad for Asia Cup. The BCCI selectors picked right-arm medium pacer Avesh Khan in his place on August 8.

Shami was expected to make the cut in the absence of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel. Fans were also disappointed due to Shami's exclusion.

Not just Asia Cup, Shami might also not feature in the India squad for World T20, which will happen in October this year. The selectors are keen to keep Shami as their main bowler in One Day Internationals and Tests, but not in T20 cricket.

Here are three reasons why Shami's T20 career might almost be over:

1. BCCI's backing of younger talent: One of the prime reasons why BCCI selection committee went with Avesh Khan was because of its intent to back young and fresh talent. Avesh had a very good season in Indian Premier League (IPL) this year with Lucknow Super Giants. He also made his debut in ODIs against West Indies. He has played 13 T20I internationals and has scalped 11 wickets at an economy of 8.67. Compared to him, Shami has only played in 17 T20Is in his career of 9 years. With the exclusion of Shami in the shortest format and with and selection of the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar and Avesh Khan, BCCI has made it clear that it wants to invest in younger talent in the T20I cricket.

2. Shami not being considered for World T20: It was after the series against Ireland in June that the BCCI made it clear to Shami that he would not be considered for the shortest format of the game. According to news agency ANI, a source had said that he may not be included in the T20I World Cup squad. "Selectors are not considering Shami for T20 World Cup as he is not fit for the format. Selectors want to invest in young bowlers and give them maximum chances before the World Cup. They might pick Bhuvneshwar Kumar as one of the senior bowlers," ANI reported quoting a source.

3. Not a good record in T20Is: Shami also doesn't have a very good record in T20Is. In the 17 games he has played, he could only take 18 wickets at an economy of 9.54. Also, in UAE grounds, he has only taken six wickets in five matches with an economy of 8.84. Shami has been unimpressive on the grounds of UAE and this was also one of the reasons he wasn't considered for Asia Cup. 

Nevertheless, Shami still has a lot of cricket to play in the ODIs and Tests. And he has shown his prowess in these formats. He has 152 wickets to his name in the 82 ODIs he has played. In Tests, he has clinched 216 wickets in 60 matches. He will be an asset for Team India in the ODI World Cup next year.