IND vs WI: End of road for Mohammed Shami in tests? Ajit Agarkar drops a massive ‘he hasn't played a lot of cricket’ statement

Mohammed Shami last played for India in tests during ICC WTC Final 2021-23 against Australia.

The Indian Cricket Team men’s chairman of the selectors, Ajit Agarkar, opened up about why Mohammed Shami wasn’t named in the Indian squad for the test series against the West Indies. He said that the fast bowler needs to play more cricket to be back in the scheme of things. 

Mohammed Shami getting back to the Indian test side has become a mysterious case now. It’s been more than two years since he played for the national side in the longest format of the game with his last match coming during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final in 2023 against Australia.

Following ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Mohammed Shami underwent ankle surgery that kept him out for a while. He made a return to the white-ball setup earlier this year and also played ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he was amongst the leading wicket-takers for his side. 

It was then expected that he would be back in test cricket as well, a format he is a beast in. But that wasn’t the case. He was not part of the Indian side that played five tests in England as reports claimed that he was not picked due to the fitness issues. 

Following that Shami featured in the domestic circuit as well and it was almost certain that the test series against the West Indies would mark his comeback. But, to many’s surprise, he didn’t feature in the squad with the selectors picking Prasidh Krishna over him. 

We know what he can do, but he has to play cricket – Ajit Agarkar on Mohammed Shami

When asked why Mohammed Shami wasn’t in the mix for the West Indies series, Ajit Agarkar said that he has no update about the pacer. He acknowledged that he played in the domestic circuit but stressed that he needs to play more cricket to make a comeback. Speaking to reporters, he said:

“I have no update. He has played in the Duleep Trophy. But in the last two-three years, he hasn’t played a lot of cricket. I think he played one game for Bengal and one in the Duleep Trophy. As a performer, we know what he can do, but he has to play cricket.”

The test series between India and the West Indies will begin on 2nd October in Ahmedabad. The second match will be played in Delhi from 10th October. 

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