Mohammed Shami's test cricket future in doubt; Bowler not anymore 'automatic pick' - Reports

Mohammed Shami last played a test match for India in June 2023.

Right-arm pacer Mohammed Shami has been a key pacer for Indian Cricket Team for the last few years. He has been a regular mix of the national team when it comes to longer formats like ODIs and tests. However, Shami’s test cricket future is in doubt; according to the latest reports.

Shami last played a test for India almost two years ago in June 2023. He was part of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 final, where India faced Australia and lost by 209 runs. Since then, Shami has missed out on test cricket due to injuries.

Shami was part of the Indian team that won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year. He gave a wonderful show in the ODI tournament by picking nine wickets across five games. He was India’s joint-highest wicket-taker along with Varun Chakravarthy.

Mohammed Shami not an automatic pick in tests: Reports

According to a new report in the Times of India, Shami is not an automatic choice anymore when it comes to tests. Shami has been struggling with his rhythm while bowling.

“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. Shami is struggling to finish his run-up and the ball is not carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury after the 2023 ODI World Cup,” TOI quoted BCCI sources as saying.

Notably, Indian selectors are gearing up for India’s forthcoming away test series against England. The Indian Cricket Team will face England in five tests starting June 20. Hence, selectors need to form a strong pace attack that can excel in the English conditions.

Right-arm pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be the crucial part of the pace department. However, Indian selectors are planning to play him in only two or three games to manage his workload. Hence, they want Shami to excel in Bumrah’s absence during the series. However, if Shami fails to perform, it will create a big issue for the team. Therefor, Indian selectors are trying to understand Shami’s problems.

Also, Mohammed Siraj’s selection for the England tour is uncertain due to his struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Notably, selectors are also looking to induct some left-arm pacers like Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Yash Dayal in the squad.

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