Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is reportedly no longer a guaranteed pick for the Test playing XI following an uncertain comeback from a prolonged injury layoff. The right-arm seamer last featured in a Test match for India during the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Following ankle surgery, Shami missed the entire 2023–25 WTC cycle. Despite returning to domestic cricket, selectors opted for Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna to back Bumrah and Siraj during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Shami returned to international cricket in the home white-ball series against England and was named in the 2025 Champions Trophy squad. However, his poor form with SRH, especially with the new ball, has raised concerns.
“As of now, Shami isn’t an automatic pick. It’s been months since he has come back to international cricket but he has barely been in rhythm.”
“While IPL performances are usually not considered while picking India teams, Shami is struggling to finish his run-up and the ball is not carrying to the keeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury. He invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery,” a source told the Times of India.
Mohammed Shami Claims 42 Wickets in 14 Tests on English Soil
Over the past decade, Mohammed Shami has served as one of India’s primary bowling assets in English conditions. During the last three tours — including a couple of World Test Championship (WTC) Final appearances — Shami has featured in 14 Tests, claiming 42 wickets at an average of 40.50, though he is yet to register a five-wicket haul.
As India prepares for the upcoming five-Test series, the team faces the challenge of shaping its seam attack. With Bumrah’s workload needing careful management and Shami reportedly not being among the preferred options, selectors have a tough task ahead.
Meanwhile, fans and analysts are advocating for the inclusion of a left-arm seamer like Khaleel Ahmed, Arshdeep Singh, or Yash Dayal, but the final decision lies with the selection panel.
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