Team India Pacer Mohammed Shami was removed from the 18-member team for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, and his absence sparked speculation about the future of his red ball career. The former national selector said Shami is no longer the same bowler he was before.
Shami returned to competitive cricket after a long injury break last November. He played white ball matches in India, including the Champions Trophy 2025. However, the team’s management and selectors remain concerned about his fitness over the demands of a longer form of the game.
Mohamed Shami is unlikely to appear in India’s future Red Ball plan
Mohamed Shami is unlikely to appear in India’s future Red Ball plan. If he hasn’t considered major overseas missions like tours in Australia or the UK, it’s unlikely that he will be recalled later this year for home exams.
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“If Mohamed Shami is not available in Australia or the UK, why would the selector choose him from his home against the West Indies or South Africa? They may use Akashdeep, Ashdeep, Harshit, or Mukesh, just like Shiraj or Bamra’s partners.”
“Shami’s body is aging and we have to accept that he is no longer the former bowler,” the Selector added.
The selector had no choice but to leave Mohammed Shami.
According to a PTI report, representatives from the BCCI sports science and medical team recently evaluated the Shami in Lucknow. The assessment concluded that his body is not yet ready to deal with the physical demands of Test cricket.
Team administrators wanted to include Shami in the high-profile series, especially as three out of five selected pacers have test appearances of less than 10. ArshdeepSingh has not made his debut with Red-Ball Cricket yet.
However, given the medical team’s assessment, the selector had no choice but to exclude him, despite his experience being able to bring.
Mohamed Shami struggled with English requirements for Test Cricket
Mohamed Shami, who began his Test career in 2013, averaged 27.71 and scored 229 wickets in 64 matches. On the English terms he averaged 40.50 and scored 42 wickets in 25 innings.
In the away condition, the right-arm pacer secured 145 wickets in 76 innings on average 30.33 including four five wicket hauls.
The veteran pacer missed the 2024-25 Border and Gabasker series in Australia for injury rehabilitation following the 2023 ODI World Cup. India continued to lose series 1–3 at Uatrlaia, winning a fialed to Advacne in the WTC 2025 final.
In the ongoing IPL 2025, Shami has struggled with his form and manages only six wickets from nine games, allowing runs at the economic rate of 11.23.
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