Former India batter casts doubt over Mohammed Shami’s future ahead of England tour

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has endured a poor time with the bat during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The 34-year-old played an important role in India’s title win in Champions Trophy 2025 but has failed to do well for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pat Cummins and his side lost to Gujarat Titans (GT) on Friday by 38 runs to make their path to the playoffs even more difficult. 

During the post-match analysis on ESPN Cricinfo’s show 'Time Out', former Kiwi pacer Danny Morrison and former India batter Aakash Chopra had their say over Shami’s former. Danny Morrison felt that the injury which Shami suffered in 2023 may have slowed the bowler down. Shami was out for an entire year due to injury and made his return earlier this year. 

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Morrison said, “You've had a big surgery like that, I think psychologically for a start it gets you dow. And then you've got to come back and pace yourself. I just wonder: he is no 29-year-old anymore, is he? So there are all of those things that are stacked against you.”

In the nine matches that Shami has played for SRH this year, the seamer has picked just six wickets. The 34-year-old also went for 75 runs in the game against Punjab Kings which is the second costliest figures in IPL history. To make matters worse, Shami has picked just one wicket in his last four games while conceding 179 runs. 

Aakash Chopra questions Shami’s spot in India’s team for England tour 

Indian cricket team are set to embark on a huge tour of England after the IPL ends. Rohit Sharma and his side play five Test matches in what will be the start of the next cycle of World Test Championships. Former India batter turned commentator Aakash Chopra feels that on current form Mohammed Shami could be doubtful to make it to the England tour. 

Chopra while speaking to ESPN Cricinfo said, “That's a big question there, no, because it's not like he came back from an injury last week or last month. He started playing domestic cricket last year and this is May already. He's played an ICC event in between. He's played a lot of games. If he's still off the boil, and that has something to do with the injury and we're all assuming that it is, then there is a serious question mark with regards to what happens next.”