Is This the End of the Road for Shami in Test Cricket?
Mohammed Shami, one of India’s most celebrated red-ball bowlers, has been left out of the Test squad for the upcoming England tour. This decision has sparked speculation about his long-term involvement in the longest format of the game.
Fitness Concerns and Age
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cited fitness concerns as the reason for his exclusion, a former national selector painted a more blunt picture. Speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, the selector stated, “If Mohammed Shami isn’t available in Australia or England, why would the selectors pick him against West Indies and South Africa at home? They might as well use Akash Deep, Arshdeep, Harshit or Mukesh as Siraj or Bumrah’s partner. Shami’s body is ageing and one has to accept that he is no longer the bowler he used to be.”
Shami has been sidelined since undergoing ankle surgery and hasn’t played Test cricket since the 2023/25 World Test Championship cycle.
A Recent Struggle
Despite returning to action during the Champions Trophy and this year’s IPL, Shami’s performance hasn’t been up to par. He managed only six wickets in nine IPL games for Sunrisers Hyderabad and was eventually dropped. His lone first-class appearance against Madhya Pradesh, where he bowled over 40 overs but took frequent breaks, indicated his body wasn’t ready for the demands of Test cricket.
Agarkar’s Confirmation
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar confirmed the selectors’ concerns on Saturday. He said, “He has been trying to get fit for the series but he has had a little bit of a setback for the last week or so and he has got some MRIs done. I’d like to mention, I don’t think he was going to be available for all five Tests. I don’t think his workload is where it needs to be.”
Agarkar emphasized that the medical assessment indicated Shami was far from ready for the rigors of a five-day Test match.
Despite hoping for Shami’s inclusion for at least part of the tour, Agarkar acknowledged the selectors’ need to plan with available and fit players. He expressed regret over Shami’s situation, stating, “It’s unfortunate that a bowler like him will always want to try and pick by himself. At the moment, he’s not fit.”
