1. It’s almost selection time
The BCCI is ready to select the Indian team for the five-Test tour of England, now without Shami as an option.
2. Injuries continue to be a significant hurdle
The BCCI medical team has the following: 34-year-old Shami is unable to bowl the long spells of crucial Test cricket.
3. Difficult to play all five Tests
The board is not inclined to take a gamble. There will be doubts about whether the player can indeed get through the series, which may compromise the strategy of the side.
4. The case of Bumrah is also serious
Jasprit Bumrah has also told BCCI that he cannot feature in more than three Tests, thus creating a risk of having two doubtful bowlers in the team.
5. Minimal Bowling in IPL
Shami currently plays for the IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad, but his contribution is limited to 4 overs a match – Tests require much greater strain.
6. Last Test performance
The last Test match that he played was in the World Test Championship Final against Australia in the year 2023 after which he hasn’t played any Test matches.
7. New bowlers may get a chance
The axe for Shami may let in new and young bowlers like Arshdeep Singh or Anshul Kamboj. Arshdeep also played some county cricket last season.
8. Kamboj in India A
Anshul Kamboj has been selected in the Indian-like side touring England, thereby increasing his chances of selection.
9. New Test captain will also be appointed soon
The selection committee is going to announce a new Test captain for India soon. Reports suggest that Shubman Gill is at the top and has been seen by coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
10. Shami’s surgery and re-entry
Shami underwent ankle surgery in 2024, leaving him unavailable for nearly the entire year. He returned to T20 international cricket early in the year, then played in the Champions Trophy.
Conclusion
Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the England Test series will certainly be a big blow to the Indian bowling lineup, but the board’s priority is to give priority to fully fit bowlers. Now it remains to be seen how much confidence young players like Arshdeep or Kamboj get and whether Shubman Gill is given the command of the Test team.
