Gautam Gambhir acting as hurdle for Mohammed Shami's comeback? Reports make BIG claim
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Mohammed Shami played his last international match for India in March 2025 in the final of Champions Trophy 2025.
The Indian Cricket Team are facing West Indies in the home series. It will be followed by an away multi-format series against New Zealand. That tour will begin with the five-match T20I series, and both teams have announced their squads.
India have announced a strong squad, and the biggest news is the return of veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The 36-year-old played his last game for India in November 2022 in the T20 international.
After four long years, Bhuvneshwar will wear the Indian jersey and will be in action at the international level. His comeback has given hopes to all those Indian fans, who are waiting for the return of Mohammed Shami.
Shami is one of the leading wicket-takers in Indian cricket history. He has been a match-winner for India across all formats but has been sidelined for the last 2-3 years. Shami played his last game for India in March 2025 and hasn’t been picked since then.
Gautam Gambhir doesn’t want Mohammed Shami to play for India – Reports
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Mohammed Shami has played 64 tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is and taken 229, 206, and 27 wickets, respectively. He is India’s leading wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup. With the 2027 World Cup just one year away, Shami can be a key bowler for India in those conditions.
His experience can come in handy for India. Especially when the young Indian bowlers have failed to impress. The Indian management has given several pacers, but they have not been consistent. So, after Bhuveshwar, are we looking for the possible return of Shami?
A report from CricBlogger reveals that the Indian selectors are keen to bring Shami back, but head coach Gautam Gambhir and ODI captain Shubman Gill are not ready for it.
A BCCI source said:
“With the selectors fully convinced about Shami’s fitness and commitment following the last domestic season, Gambhir may still not be entirely convinced. It is often suggested that Shami himself is aware that his absence from the team stems from Gambhir’s doubts about his fitness levels.”
The difference of opinion between the selectors and the current management is the key reason for Shami’s omission from the plan. Especially, head coach Gambhir is against him.
Though despite the uncertainty around Shami’s comeback, his records are hard to overlook. Especially, his contribution in tests and in the ODI World Cups is difficult to ignore.
When did Mohammed Shami play his last game for India?
Mohammed Shami played his last international match for India in March 2025 in the final of Champions Trophy 2025.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.