BCCI to Drop Shami for England Tour
India’s upcoming five-match Test series against England, scheduled for later this year, may not feature one of its most seasoned pace spearheads, Mohammed Shami. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to omit the veteran fast bowler from the squad owing to fitness concerns following his ankle surgery. Here’s a comprehensive look at the situation and its implications.
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1. Shami’s Absence Looms Over the England Tour
According to The Indian Express, Mohammed Shami is unlikely to be picked for the five-Test series in England. The 34-year-old last played red-ball cricket during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in June 2023. Since then, he has been recovering from ankle surgery and has yet to regain full match fitness.
Despite his ongoing participation in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), where he turns out for Sunrisers Hyderabad, the BCCI’s medical panel has expressed reservations about his readiness for the physically taxing format of Test cricket.
2. Medical Advice Cautions Against Test Inclusion
Shami’s surgery and the recovery timeline have significantly restricted his workload. The BCCI’s medical team reportedly communicated that Shami’s current ability to bowl four-over spells in the IPL does not sufficiently indicate readiness to bowl extended spells, often exceeding 10 overs in a day — a necessity in English Test conditions.
“Shami is bowling four overs in IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but the board and selectors don’t know whether he can bowl more than 10 overs in a day. Test matches in England may demand longer spells from the pacers, and we can’t take chances,” a BCCI source was quoted saying.
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3. Bumrah’s Limited Workload Adds Complexity
Compounding the issue is the limited workload capacity of Jasprit Bumrah, who has reportedly informed team management that he may not be available to play all five Tests in the England series. While Bumrah remains India’s pace leader, the selectors are wary of pairing him with another partially fit bowler like Shami.
This situation rules out the earlier proposal of rotating Bumrah and Shami during the series to manage their workloads. Instead, selectors are opting for a pool of fully fit fast bowlers capable of maintaining high intensity across all five Tests.
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4. Selectors Eyeing Emerging Fast Bowling Talent
Shami’s expected exclusion has opened the doors for emerging pacers. One strong contender is Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm fast bowler who gained valuable experience playing county cricket for Kent in England last year. Arshdeep’s familiarity with English conditions and his unique angle as a left-armer make him an attractive option for the selectors.
Additionally, Anshul Kamboj, the promising fast bowler from Haryana, is also in contention. He has already been picked for the India A squad touring England and could be drafted into the senior squad if he impresses with his performance.
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5. Focus on Fitness and Durability for Seam Attack
With England’s conditions demanding pace bowlers to sustain long spells, the Indian selectors are keen on building a pace unit comprising fully fit and match-ready individuals. The decision to sideline Shami — despite his experience — underscores the importance the BCCI places on fitness, especially given the physically grueling nature of a five-match away series.
6. Shami’s Red-Ball Record Still Commands Respect
While his exclusion may be based on current fitness, Shami’s red-ball track record is formidable. In 64 Test matches, he has taken 229 wickets at an average of 27.71. His ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain a relentless line and length made him a crucial part of India’s pace revolution in Tests over the past decade.
However, with red-ball cricket requiring sustained physical effort and rhythm, particularly in seam-friendly English conditions, selectors are understandably hesitant to take risks with partially recovered players.
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7. Leadership Transition on the Horizon
Another key development expected during the squad announcement is a possible change in Test leadership. With Rohit Sharma’s availability uncertain due to workload management and age, Shubman Gill has emerged as the frontrunner to lead the Test side. The 25-year-old opener has reportedly held meetings with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar regarding the role.
Gill, seen as a long-term investment for India’s red-ball leadership, has shown maturity in his performances and temperament. If appointed, he could lead India into a new era in Test cricket, starting with the demanding England tour.
8. What This Means for India’s Test Strategy
The absence of Mohammed Shami and possibly the reduced involvement of Bumrah will require a shift in strategy. India may rely more on young quicks like Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna, along with experienced options like Mohammed Siraj. This also places added responsibility on spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin to control the game during long sessions.
The balance of the squad, particularly in seam-bowling all-rounders, will be crucial. Players like Shardul Thakur and possibly Hardik Pandya (if red-ball ready) could come into the frame to provide depth in both departments.
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9. Conclusion: A New-Look Indian Attack in the Making
Mohammed Shami’s likely exclusion from the England Test series marks a significant shift in India’s Test dynamics. While unfortunate, the decision reflects a prudent approach by the BCCI to prioritize fitness and long-term sustainability over experience alone. With promising bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj in contention, and a new leadership vision possibly under Shubman Gill, India is preparing to embrace a new chapter in its Test journey.
The official squad announcement will reveal the direction the selectors wish to take — but one thing is clear: the focus is on durability, fitness, and building a team for the future.
