For quite some time, there have been rumors about Mohammed Shami’s comeback to the Indian cricket team. The fast bowler was last seen in action during the 2023 ODI World Cup and later played in the Champions Trophy this year. Since then, however, Shami has been missing from India’s squad in all three formats.
Whenever asked about his return, Shami has expressed disappointment with the selectors though he never mentioned any names directly. But now, a major update has come out that changes the story.
According to recent reports of PTI, Shami himself declined to join the Indian team for the England tour. This revelation has created quite a buzz on social media and among cricket fans.
Shami’s Test Future Looks Dim
At 35, Shami is nearing the twilight of his international career. Even though he bowled 93 overs in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, chances of him playing Test cricket again seem very slim. With India’s current fast bowling pool packed with younger options like Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep, Shami appears to be falling behind in the race for a Test spot.
His return to the ODI setup also looks doubtful. The next 50-over World Cup will be held in 2027, when Shami will be 37. Given his history of injuries – especially his knee problems – it’s unlikely that the selectors will risk including an aging fast bowler when younger players are performing well.
Selectors Wanted Shami for the England Tour
Interestingly, reports suggest that the Indian selectors were very keen to have Shami on the England tour. A senior BCCI official told PTI that both the selectors and the BCCI’s support staff had reached out to Shami several times to check on his fitness and availability.
“The selectors were desperate to have him in England because Jasprit Bumrah couldn’t play all five Tests,” the official said. “Who wouldn’t want a bowler of Shami’s quality in English conditions?”
India eventually drew the five-match Test series 2–2 against England.
‘He Said He Should Not Be Considered’
It is also reported that one of the selectors even messaged Shami, asking him to play at least one match for India A against the England Lions in Canterbury or Northampton. The idea was to assess his match fitness before the England series.
However, Shami reportedly replied that he was still building up his workload and should not be considered for selection.
A senior BCCI source clarified, “To say that there was no communication with Shami is incorrect. The medical team has his reports, and they’ve been closely monitoring his recovery. The question is whether his body can handle the demands of international cricket again.”
Where Things Stand Now
At the moment, Shami believes he’s fit enough to play limited-overs cricket, especially ODIs. But the final call will rest with the national selectors.
Given India’s direction focusing on younger, fitter, and multi-format players, it looks increasingly unlikely that Mohammed Shami will add many more international matches to his 197-game career. For now, his future with Team India remains uncertain.
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