Mohammed Shami Snubbed Again for Australia Tour; BCCI Unlikely to Recall Veteran Pacer
The comeback dreams of India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami have suffered yet another setback. The BCCI selection committee has once again overlooked the veteran bowler for the upcoming Australia tour, which features three ODIs and five T20Is beginning October 19.
Shami, who has not featured for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup, was hoping to make a strong return this year with an eye on the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. However, his continued absence from the national squad indicates that the selectors may have moved on to younger pace options.
It is worth noting that Shami was also left out of the Asia Cup 2025 squad earlier this year, suggesting that his exclusion is not a one-off decision but part of a broader long-term strategy by the board.
India Return Looks Unlikely Amid Ranji Focus
According to a report in The Telegraph, the BCCI is still hesitant to recall Shami due to concerns around his fitness, form, and workload management. A senior BCCI official, speaking anonymously, shared candid insights into the fast bowler’s current position in the pecking order.
“At this moment, it’s getting increasingly tougher for Shami to return to the Indian team. In the Duleep game too, he wasn’t too impressive, barring one odd spell. Besides, he isn’t getting any younger, while pace-wise too, he didn’t seem to be at his best,” the official was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.
The source further added that Shami would need to play more domestic cricket to keep himself in rhythm if he intends to continue in the IPL.
“To continue in the IPL, he has to play a decent amount of domestic games,” the official added.
Shami’s Past Brilliance and Recent Struggles
Once regarded as India’s most lethal strike bowler, Mohammed Shami enjoyed a stellar run during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was among the tournament’s top wicket-takers. His devastating spells with the new ball and in death overs made him a key match-winner for India.
However, since then, injuries and a lack of consistency have disrupted his rhythm. His recent showing in the Duleep Trophy reportedly failed to impress the selectors, as he struggled to maintain pace and penetration over long spells.
The selectors, it appears, have shifted their focus toward the next generation of fast bowlers, including the likes of Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana, who are being groomed for India’s future assignments.
Possible Ranji Redemption
In a bid to revive his career, Shami has now made himself available for Bengal’s Ranji Trophy campaign, starting October 15 at Eden Gardens against Uttarakhand. This move could serve as a last-ditch effort to prove his fitness and form in red-ball cricket.
All eyes will be on Shami as he looks to lead Bengal’s bowling attack and possibly send a message to national selectors. A strong Ranji season could revive faint hopes of an international comeback, though the road ahead appears steep.
