Finish of the highway for Mohammed Shami? Selectors unsure after IPL 2025 struggles

Mohammed Shami’s Test career could be coming to a close when the selectors name the squad for the India vs England series. The veteran, one of India’s finest red ball bowlers, has struggled for form and fitness since a long-term injury absence. No longer considered an automatic pick, Shami could miss the bus altogether given his struggles with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025.

No longer an automatic pick: Shami’s Test future in doubt

As per reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel could be looking beyond Mohammed Shami when naming the squad for the India vs England series. Shami underwent surgery after a successful 2023 World Cup campaign, returning only for the Champions Trophy in February. However, the 34-year-old hasn’t been at his best, struggling to generate pace and consistency.

“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 is not carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to. He invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery,” BCCI sources were quoted as saying by TOI.

The Bengal pacer has looked out of rhythm and his run up also looks patchy. Mohammed Shami was considered a huge miss in India’s Border Gavaskar Trophy loss Down Under. The original plan for the selectors was to have Shami and Bumrah pair up, with either one of the duo playing in each of the five Tests. While there are concerns with Bumrah’s workload, Shami hasn’t done his chances a world of good recently.

“The initial plan was to ensure the team can at least play either of 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 may be facing,” sources added.

Shami’s England troubles

Should Mohammed Shami miss out, it is tough to see how the veteran makes a comeback to the scheme of things. Ishant Sharma played his last Test at the age of 31. Umesh Yadav was 34 when he played his last Test in the World Test Championship final at the Oval in 2023. Both seamers have since been overlooked. It is likely to be the case with Shami should he not be on the plane to England.

A fully fit Mohammed Shami, however, is an asset to Indian cricket. The India vs England series would have been his fourth tour of England. His know-how of English conditions could be invaluable for an Indian side in transition. However, England is one of the few places in the world where he has struggled. The 34-year-old averages 40.50 in 14 Tests and has a strike rate of 69.2. Both metrics are comfortably his worst for any other country he has played in. With Shami already not in best shape and form, it is hard to see how he betters those numbers in the UK.

Who partners Jasprit Bumrah?

If not Mohammed Shami, India still has to find a partner for Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj is a certainty and will be the de facto leader of the attack should Bumrah not feature. Veteran Shardul Thakur could get a recall after impressing in the Ranji Trophy with bat and ball. Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep were in the mix in Australia and are likely to be in contention. Should the selectors want a left-arm angle, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Dayal, and Khaleel Ahmed could be brought in. The trio have been on the fringes and could sneak in for the tour.