Age-Defying Struggle: India Pacer Mohammed Shami Rejects Team Management’s Request as Form Wanes

This absence might not be entirely unexpected, yet it seems to suggest the end of an era.
Mohammed Shami
One of India’s top red-ball bowlers has been excluded from the 18-member Test squad for the upcoming tour to England, casting significant doubt on his prospects in the longest form of the game.

While the BCCI cited fitness concerns, a former national selector minced no words when assessing the long-term picture. “If Mohammed Shami isn’t available in Australia or England, why would the selectors pick him against West Indies and South Africa at home? They might as well use
Akash Deep
,
Arshdeep
,
Harshit
or
Mukesh
as
Siraj
or
Bumrah
‘Shimi’s partner mentioned that Shami’s physique is showing signs of age, and one must acknowledge that he is not the same bowler as before,” he stated.

PTI

under conditions of confidentiality.

Shami, with 229 wickets from his 64 Test matches, hasn’t participated in red-ball cricket since having ankle surgery. He did not feature at all during the 2023/25 World Test Championship period, skipping home encounters against England last year as well as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Although he got back into action during the Champions Trophy and participated in this season’s Indian Premier League, he secured only six wickets in nine matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad before being let go. His single first-class game was against Madhya Pradesh, wherein he delivered more than 40 overs but frequently paused between bowling stints; an early indication that his physique wasn’t up to the challenge of enduring Test cricket exertions.

Agarkar on Shami

Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, addressed Shami’s absence during an interview on Saturday. He stated, “Shami has been attempting to recover from his injury ahead of this series; however, he encountered a minor obstacle over the past week which led him to undergo several MRI scans. It should also be noted that I did not believe he would have been ready for all five Test matches. His current level of fitness does not meet our requirements,” Agarkar explained further, adding, “The doctors informed us that he will now miss the entire series.”

The BCCI’s medical and sports science group apparently evaluated him in Lucknow lately and determined that he is still not prepared for the demands of Test cricket. Agarkar acknowledged that the selection committee was anticipating his inclusion for some portion of the England tour.

“We had hoped he would be available for at least part of the series,” the chief selector explained. “But since he’s currently unfit, it’s challenging to keep waiting. We have plans in place with those players who are ready and able. It’s disappointing because a bowler of his caliber usually aims to push through. However, right now, he isn’t fit.”

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