 "Mohammed Shami could not play Tests in England due to poor fitness. Image: PTI")
Mohammed Shami’s prolonged struggle with fitness could soon bring an end to his Test career unless the 34-year-old Bengal pacer manages to script a turnaround with his fitness and form, a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) insider has revealed. Shami last played for India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final and also featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, enduring a poor outing. Yet, he failed to be a part of the Test squad in England.
During the team selection press conference, chairman of BCCCI selectors, Ajit Agarkar, had said that Shami was not fit enough to play five Tests in England, hence they decided to look at other options. “We’d rather pick guys fit and available rather than waiting,” Agarkar said.
Shami is now looking to launch a comeback to the Indian team with the upcoming Duleep Trophy that starts on 28 August. The fast bowler has been named in the East Zone squad .
Shami’s Test future in limbo due to poor fitness
Now, a BCCI insider has revealed to the Telegraph that the upcoming Duleep Trophy could prove to be much more than a cricket tournament for Shami. The pacer would have to use the East Zone matches to prove his fitness.
“If Shami comes up with an impact-making performance against North Zone, the selectors will certainly take notice because his quality cannot be ruled out,” a BCCI source said.
“But what we need to see is whether he’ll play even if East Zone clear the quarter-final stage and continue to make progress. Will his body permit, given his dodgy knee and hamstring? “In the Ranji game, he used to bowl three-four overs in a spell and go off the ground. So, whether his body can take the rigours of a multi-day game goes on and on to be a tricky question.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsA good performance in the Duleep Trophy can also open the door to a Test comeback for Shami. India play a two-match Test series against West Indies at home in October, but the BCCI insider feels the selectors are keen on focussing on younger fast bowlers as Shami continues to face fitness issues.
“Yes, how Shami fares in this Duleep Trophy will present a clearer picture of the prospects of his Test comeback. But one also needs to know if Shami himself is keen on making a comeback in the longest format,” the Board official said.
“First of all, he wasn’t dropped because of form. Fitness issues are the only reason why he couldn’t travel to England.
“After missing the last tour of Australia, his presence was pretty much needed for the England series. The selectors had also spoken to him before finalising the squad, but he didn’t sound too confident. That much-needed assurance from him was missing.
“Besides, age is not on Shami’s side. The preference, thus, will be someone who still has seven-eight years of cricket left in him rather than an individual who’ll be turning 35 soon,” the official added.