Team India is now scheduled to play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, for which the Indian team was already announced. However, just before the series, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the squad due to injury. Following Bumrah’s withdrawal, the BCCI added Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Aaqib Nabi to the squad for the Sri Lanka tour.
As soon as this news broke, discussions began surrounding veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, as the selectors had once again overlooked him. This led to questions about whether Shami was no longer in the selectors’ plans, and whether all doors to his return to Team India had been closed?
Why has the challenge increased for Shami?
Shami played his last international match for Team India in 2025, and his last Test match was in 2023. Initially, Shami was sidelined due to fitness issues, but despite consistently performing well in domestic cricket over the past year, he has not been able to return to the national team. Despite concerns about his fitness, Shami performed brilliantly in the Ranji Trophy.
In his last seven Ranji Trophy matches, he bowled 1,383 balls and took 37 wickets at an average of 16.72. During this period, Shami bowled 50 maiden overs and took three five-wicket hauls. His best performance in first-class cricket also came during this period, when he took 8 wickets for 90 runs.
What did Agarkar say about Shami?
When asked about Mohammed Shami’s return to the Test team, Team India’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, stated that the experienced fast bowler lacks the fitness required to play Test cricket. Agarkar’s statement clearly indicated that Shami will have to earn a place in the team not solely based on experience, but also on his fitness and performance.
What is the big message for Shami now?
Aaqib Nabi’s selection is being seen as a clear signal to Shami. If Shami wants to return to the Test team, he will have to outperform the younger fast bowlers in the upcoming domestic tournaments. Bowlers who perform well in domestic cricket are no longer just filling in for spots in the team, but are directly contending for a place in the starting eleven. Consequently, Shami’s path to a return to the national team has become more difficult than ever.Â