After Rohit and Virat Another Senior Indian Cricketer Test Future in Jeopardy
The Indian cricket team is currently undergoing a transitional phase, especially in the longest format of the game. After the shocking news of Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket and swirling reports about Virat Kohli contemplating the same, the selectors have been hit by another curveball. This time, it revolves around senior pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, whose fitness and form have become major concerns for the upcoming five-match Test series against England.
Here is a complete breakdown of the situation:
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1. Rohit Sharma’s Sudden Test Retirement Leaves a Void
Rohit Sharma shocked the cricketing world when he announced his retirement from Test cricket after a solid career that included 67 Test matches. As a leader and an opener, Rohit played a crucial role in India’s home dominance and overseas success in recent years.
His departure leaves a massive hole at the top of the order and within the leadership group of the team. The selectors are now in a fix trying to identify the next Test captain, as well as a reliable opener to replace Rohit.
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2. Virat Kohli Reportedly Considering Test Retirement
Adding to the selection headache, rumors have surfaced about Virat Kohli possibly stepping away from the red-ball format. Though no official confirmation has come yet, various reports claim Kohli is considering limiting his workload and focusing on shorter formats due to physical and mental fatigue.
If this materializes, India could lose two of their most experienced batters in a very short span, putting extra pressure on youngsters like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul to take up leadership roles in the batting lineup.
3. Mohammed Shami’s Fitness Raises Red Flags
Now, the latest blow to the selectors comes in the form of Mohammed Shami. Once regarded as India’s most reliable red-ball pacer, Shami’s current form and fitness have cast serious doubts over his place in the squad for the England Test series.
As per a report by Times of India, Shami is no longer an automatic selection in the playing XI. Sources close to the BCCI revealed that the fast bowler has been struggling to maintain rhythm and is reportedly finding it difficult to complete his run-up. Furthermore, his deliveries are reportedly not carrying to the wicketkeeper as they once did before his Achilles tendon injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
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4. Achilles Injury: A Career-Impacting Setback
Shami’s struggles can be traced back to the injury he sustained in late 2023. The Achilles tendon injury forced him out of action for the entirety of 2024, which significantly disrupted his momentum and conditioning.
Despite a return to international cricket in early 2025 during the T20I series against England, and participating in the Champions Trophy and IPL 2025, the pace spearhead hasn’t looked anywhere near his best. He often goes off the field after short spells for recovery, raising concerns about his ability to last long in grueling five-day matches.
5. Selectors Caught in a Dilemma Over Pace Attack
The Indian selectors are now under severe pressure to manage the pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah, who recently recovered from a back injury suffered during the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is also being managed carefully.
The original strategy was to rotate Bumrah and Shami to ensure India always has at least one experienced pacer in each Test match. However, with Shami’s fitness in doubt, this balance could collapse. If both pacers are unavailable or unfit during the series, India may have to rely on less experienced options like Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, or emerging talents like Akash Deep.
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6. The Workload Management Crisis
India’s fast bowlers have often borne the brunt of a tight schedule across formats. Bumrah’s injuries over the years and now Shami’s persistent issues are a clear indication that workload management needs urgent attention. With five high-intensity Test matches lined up against England, all played within a short span, the Indian team management has a monumental task ahead.
If neither Bumrah nor Shami is available consistently, there will be a serious lack of experience, especially in overseas-style conditions where fast bowlers are expected to do the bulk of the damage.
7. Who Can Step Up in Shami’s Absence?
With Shami potentially sidelined or limited in role, the Indian team will look towards the next generation of pacers. Mohammed Siraj has already proved himself as a reliable Test bowler in recent years. Young bowlers like Mukesh Kumar and Arshdeep Singh are also under the scanner.
Additionally, the selectors might also consider fast-tracking bowlers performing well in domestic red-ball cricket or the India A setup to bridge the gap.
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8. Conclusion: A Tough Road Ahead for Indian Test Cricket
The Test series against England is no longer just about preparing the playing XI – it’s about redefining the future of Indian red-ball cricket. With Rohit Sharma already gone, Virat Kohli’s situation uncertain, and Mohammed Shami’s form in jeopardy, India is staring at a generational shift.
This could be a golden opportunity for youngsters to prove their mettle. But at the same time, the lack of experience and leadership could be a massive concern if senior players continue to exit or struggle with fitness. The Indian selectors must tread carefully and ensure that the transition is managed smartly to keep India competitive in the longest format.
