Mohammed Shami Doubtful for England Tour
With the much-anticipated five-Test series against England just around the corner, the Indian cricket fraternity has been hit with a worrying development. Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, is reportedly struggling with fitness and form, making his selection for the tour uncertain. Here’s a comprehensive look at the current situation and its implications.
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1. Shami No Longer an Automatic Pick for England Tour
Once a reliable figure in India’s red-ball setup, Mohammed Shami is no longer a guaranteed selection. According to reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is yet to finalize the squad, and Shami’s fitness issues have raised serious concerns. Despite his experience and past contributions, his current form and recovery from injury have made his inclusion doubtful.
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2. Run-Up Struggles Raise Red Flags
A report by TOI reveals that Shami is struggling to complete his run-up during training sessions. He reportedly lacks rhythm, and the deliveries are not carrying to the wicketkeeper with the same intensity as they once did. This has become a point of concern for the selectors, as these symptoms are reflective of an incomplete recovery from his Achilles tendon injury, sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
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3. Achilles Tendon Injury Haunts His Return
Shami’s Achilles tendon injury sidelined him for months following the 2023 World Cup. Though he made a brief comeback during the England T20I series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, his performances have lacked consistency. Despite a decent Champions Trophy outing, his physical discomfort and inability to bowl prolonged spells suggest that he is not fully fit for a five-match Test series.
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4. Disappointing IPL 2025 Performance Adds to Woes
Shami’s performance in IPL 2025 was far from impressive. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he managed to take only six wickets in nine matches, averaging 56.16—a stark contrast to his usual standards. He was even dropped for a couple of games and didn’t look in full rhythm in the ones he played. This underwhelming form in the IPL has only strengthened doubts about his readiness for the Test format.
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5. Champions Trophy 2025: A Mixed Return
Shami showed glimpses of his old self during the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. He was India’s joint second-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets from five games, including a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. However, even during that campaign, his ability to bowl long spells remained under scrutiny, as did his body language and follow-through in the latter stages of the tournament.
6. Test Record in England Is Far from Stellar
Adding to the complexity of his selection is Shami’s average Test record on English soil. In 14 Tests, he has taken 42 wickets at a high average of 40.50 and is yet to claim a five-wicket haul in England. While he has often bowled with heart and aggression, his returns do not inspire automatic inclusion, especially in light of his current condition.
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7. Jasprit Bumrah’s Availability Key to India’s Plans
The Indian team management had planned to rotate their pace spearheads for the England tour, ensuring that either Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammed Shami would feature in every Test. However, with Bumrah likely to be rested in one or two games to manage his workload, Shami’s absence or inability to play full games could leave a major void in India’s pace attack.
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8. Selection Committee in a Tough Spot
The selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, now faces a tough call. The squad announcement is expected on May 16, and the management will need to weigh the risk of including an under-recovering Shami versus drafting a replacement. With the series starting on June 20, time is running out for the pacer to prove his fitness.
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9. Leadership Vacuum Post Rohit and Kohli Retirements
The situation is further complicated by leadership changes. With Rohit Sharma retiring from Tests and Virat Kohli also opting out of the red-ball format, the selectors not only need to address the bowling lineup but also decide on a new Test captain. This transition phase makes it even more important for senior players like Shami to be fit and available, but that now seems unlikely.
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10. What Lies Ahead for Mohammed Shami?
At 34, Shami may be nearing the twilight of his international career. If he misses out on the England series, it could signal a shift in India’s pace bowling setup. Youngsters like Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh may be called upon to fill the gap. However, India will still hope that Shami regains his fitness and rhythm soon, given the crucial role he can play in overseas conditions with his experience and reverse swing.
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Conclusion: A Race Against Time for Shami
Mohammed Shami’s potential absence from the England tour presents a big headache for Indian selectors. While his past contributions to Indian cricket are undeniable, current form, fitness, and performances suggest that a place in the playing XI is far from guaranteed. As India prepares for a challenging five-Test battle in England, the decision regarding Shami’s inclusion could have significant implications on the outcome of the series.
The final word rests with the selectors and the medical team—but as it stands, Shami is running out of time and chances.
