‘He isn’t an automatic pick’ – Mohammed Shami facing uncertain future in Test cricket: Reports

Indian cricket team is set for massive overhaul ahead of the team selection for the five-match Test series in England. After the retirement of Rohit Sharma and potential Virat Kohli exit, there are massive doubts on Mohammed Shami’s future in Test cricket as well. The 34-year-old made his return to the game earlier this year after suffering an injury to his Achilles in 2023. This injury forced Shami to miss an year out from the game before his eventual return. 

Times of India has reported that Shami’s future has also come under the lens due to his recent performances. The veteran seamer hasn’t been at the top of his game in IPL 2025 season taking just six wickets from nine games with an economy of 11.23 runs per over. Shami, also conceded 75 runs from his four overs against Punjab which is the second costliest figures in IPL history. 

One unnamed BCCI source in his chat with Times of India said, “As of now, Shami isn’t an automatic pick. It’s been months since he has come back to international cricket but he has barely been in rhythm. While IPL performances are not usually considered while picking India teams, Shami is struggling to finish his run-up and the ball isn’t carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury after the 2023 ODI World Cup. he invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery.”

Will Shami be picked for England tour?

Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead the pace department in the coming five-Test tour of England. The 31-year-old though himself is just coming back from an injury that happened during the Sydney Test earlier in the year. It is understood that Bumrah may not play all five games in England which makes Shami’s role even more important. 

Times of India also quoted the BCCI source as saying, “The initial plan was to ensure the team can play either Shami or Bumrah in every Test. However, if Bumrah is rested for a match and Shami struggles to pull through, it will be a big issue. They are trying to understand the problem Shami is facing.”

If selected, this will be Shami’s fourth tour of England where the pacer has played 14 games so far. With the ball, the 34-year-old has picked 42 wickets with a best of 4/57 and an average of 40 and strike rate of 69. Shami has also done reasonably well with the bat scoring two fifties in England, including match-defining 56 not out at Lords.