Mohammed Shami, the experienced right-arm pacer, has been a crucial part of the Indian Cricket Team in recent years, especially in longer formats like ODIs and Tests. However, there are now doubts surrounding Shami’s future in Test cricket, according to recent reports.
Mohammed Shami last represented India in a Test match nearly two years ago, in June 2023. His most recent appearance was in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 final, where India faced Australia and suffered a 209-run defeat. Since then, Shami has been absent from Test cricket due to injuries.
Earlier this year, Mohammed Shami was part of the Indian squad that won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He delivered an impressive performance in the tournament, taking nine wickets in five matches, making him the joint-highest wicket-taker for India alongside Varun Chakravarthy.
Mohammed Shami No Longer an Automatic Choice for Tests
According to a recent report by the Times of India, Mohammed Shami is no longer an automatic selection for India’s Test squad. The seasoned pacer has been struggling with his bowling rhythm, which has raised concerns among the selectors.
“Currently, Mohammed Shami is not an automatic pick. Although he returned to international cricket months ago, he has yet to regain his rhythm. He is struggling with his run-up, and his deliveries are not reaching the wicketkeeper with the same carry as before his Achilles tendon injury, which he suffered after the 2023 ODI World Cup,” BCCI sources told TOI.
Indian selectors are currently preparing for the team’s upcoming away Test series against England, which will feature five matches starting on June 20. With the challenging English conditions in mind, the selectors aim to assemble a strong pace attack.
Jasprit Bumrah, the right-arm pacer, is expected to be a key figure in India’s pace department. However, due to workload management, Bumrah may only play two or three of the five Tests. This situation makes Shami’s performance even more crucial, as the team will need him to step up in Bumrah’s absence. But if Shami continues to struggle, it could pose a significant problem for the team. As a result, the selectors are closely monitoring his form and trying to understand his issues.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj’s inclusion in the England tour squad is also uncertain due to his lackluster performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). In addition, the selectors are exploring the possibility of including left-arm pacers like Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Yash Dayal in the squad.