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The prospect of Mohammed Shami returning to India's Test squad has once again become a subject of intense debate, with a report suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir is against bringing the experienced fast bowler back.

Indian cricketers hold mixed opinions about Shami in the Test side, as per a CricBlogger report. The report mentioned that while a few selectors still see the veteran cricketer as an option for red-ball cricket, Gambhir is believed to have a few doubts about reinclusion.

The report also suggested that Shami himself feels that his long absence from the Indian dressing room is mainly down to Gambhir's position.

Please be aware that the above has neither been confirmed by the BCCI, Gautam Gambhir or Mohammed Shami.

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It has been known for a long time that Shami's absence has been largely discussed as India is in turn transitioning towards a comparatively younger pace attack. The 35-year-old has faced several injuries over the last couple of years that have also questioned his fitness and workload management.

This opening up for the shorter format was, however, not quite meant to be for Shami, as earlier this year, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had commented that Shami was indeed fit enough for a T20 game but 'not quite ready for the rigours of Test cricket'.

However, Shami's Test record is arguably the best among Indian pacemen. He has taken 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71 with six five-fors to his name. The dual success of India abroad in England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand has been dominated by his performances.

The report went as far as saying that Gambhir's opinion in team planning matters. The national selection committee, in the end, makes the final call on players, with the captain, coaches, support staff, doctors and performance analysts making sizable contributions.

Meanwhile, the Indian side has persisted in using young fast bowlers. While Bumrah has led the attack, experienced Mohammed Siraj has been a confident and reliable member of the pace department. In addition, players like Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Akash Deep have been given a chance by the team in favour of setting up another World Test Championship cycle.

At present, Shami's path back to the international team is uncertain. The ability of experience and cricketing record to influence team selection is unquestioned, but at the same time, the foresight of team selectors will not be completely precluding fitness concerns, the emergence of young pace talents and the edicts of team orientation. Whether Gambhir really played any part in his own exit is still to be proven until a BCCI or team management statement arrives.