With India’s five-Test tour of England approaching, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is reportedly unlikely to be included in the squad due to concerns over his fitness. The 34-year-old, who last played a Test match during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, is yet to fully recover from an ankle surgery and remains a doubtful candidate for the rigours of red-ball cricket.
Doubts Over Mohammed Shami’s Match Fitness
According to reports, the BCCI’s medical team has communicated to the selectors that while Mohammed Shami has returned to cricket via the IPL, his current workload is limited to four-over spells with Sunrisers Hyderabad. This has led to uncertainty about his ability to bowl long spells in demanding English conditions. “We don’t know if he can bowl more than 10 overs a day,” a board source reportedly said. The selectors are concerned about risking an underprepared Mohammed Shami, especially when England’s seaming conditions require sustained pace bowling.
There were internal discussions about possibly using Mohammed Shami selectively, but the absence of Jasprit Bumrah from full-duty availability further complicated matters. Bumrah, who is not expected to play all five Tests due to workload management, was earlier considered for the Test captaincy but opted out, citing his own limitations. With two of India’s top pacers not at full capacity, the selectors are shifting focus toward fully fit and reliable options.
Young Pacers and Leadership Shake-Up
Mohammed Shami’s absence has created opportunities for younger talents. Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm pacer who played county cricket for Kent last year, is emerging as a strong contender. Haryana’s Anshul Kamboj, recently named in the India A squad for the England tour, is another name being discussed. Both bowlers are seen as potential assets in English conditions.
Meanwhile, a change in leadership is also on the cards. Shubman Gill is being seen as a frontrunner to take over India’s red-ball captaincy. Sources indicate that Gill has had meetings with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar to discuss the role. The decision marks a shift toward grooming young leaders for the future of Indian Test cricket.
As the squad announcement looms, the absence of Mohammed Shami and potential inclusion of emerging talent, along with a leadership transition, are set to define the contours of India’s challenging tour of England.
