Why is Mohammed Shami not playing for India these days?
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Mohammed Shami has not played an international game since 2025.
Mohammed Shami, 36-year-old, last featured in the Indian jersey in March 2025, playing the Champions Trophy Final. Rohit Sharma and Co. had won the tournament staying unbeaten throughout. Shami picked one scalp on the final day, and nine overall in the tournament.
After the Champions Trophy, Shami was not picked in the squads for any series. He last played a T20 international in 2025, meanwhile, his last red-ball game for India was back in 2023, the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final.
The right-arm speedster has been regularly playing all the domestic cricket tournaments, across formats, and delivering with his ball consistently. Despite noticeable performances in the domestic cricket and Indian Premier League, Shami has not been picked for the Indian side again.
Despite the depleting pace-bowling resources in the Indian Cricket, there seems an evident hesitation in recalling Mohammed Shami to the national side. Let us know why he is not getting picked for the Indian team anymore.
Have the selectors moved on from Mohammed Shami?
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The Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar has given his statement to the media on multiple occasions stating that Shami is not fully fit and that he was unavailable for selection. Shortly after, the speedster was seen performing in the Ranji Trophy.
In the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, he finished as the premier pacer, with 37 wickets at an average of 16.7. He also claimed 15 wickets in 7 games of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well, he picked 16 wickets in 7 matches. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, he picked 12 wickets in 13 matches, playing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Currently, he is playing the Duleep Trophy 2026; and while representing the East Zone, he claimed 5 wickets in the semi-final against Central Zone helping the team reach the Duleep Trophy final.
Despite such pristine form across formats, the Chief Selector and the board maintains the stance that they are unaware about his fitness status. India’s diminishing pace-bowling reserves rings an alarm for the selectors to recall Shami in the national setup. Many cricket pundits and ex-Indian cricketers have called for Shami’s comeback in the Indian colors.
When did Mohammed Shami last play for India?
Mohammed Shami last played for India in 2025 Champions Trophy final.
Will Mohammed Shami return to the Indian team?
As of now, there are no signs indicating the same, however, with his consistent performances, there are possibilities.
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