When Mohammed Shami missed the Test series against Australia, everyone was united in saying that his absence made the difference for India. With another 5-match Test series coming up against England, the notion is opposite. Shami’s lacklustre performance in IPL 2025 after a decent run in the ICC Champions Trophy has raised a big question: is there a place for Shami in India’s squad for England Test series?
Many pundits and fans have raised their concerns about his form as he failed to lift the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling unit in IPL. His lukewarm returns aside, his dip in pace and consistency are currently the biggest talking points. While BCCI is not worried yet, his form in IPL surely is.
“Every player goes through difficult times after injury. It’s not a big deal. He is an experienced player and knows how to handle. We haven’t heard anything about his fitness concerns. He is fully fit. Whether he is in the squad for England, that is up to the selectors, but don’t forget a few days ago, people raised questions about Rohit (Sharma) too. And now, nobody is talking about him,” a BCCI official told InsideSport.
Mohammed Shami in IPL 2025
In 9 matches, Shami has scalped just six wickets at an average of 56.16. His economy rate has shot up to 11.23, the worst among the top bowlers in the tournament. Former India opener Aakash Chopra said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out that Shami’s pace was down, adding that “Shami is not bowling in the same area as he always does.”
Many believe that his dip in form is because of his long injury layoff. Shami underwent an ankle surgery that kept him out of action for 14 months.
“You’ve had a big surgery like that, I think psychologically, for a start, it gets you down. And then you’ve got to come back and pace yourself. I just wonder: he is no 29-year-old anymore, is he? So there are all of those things that are stacked against you,” Danny Morrison said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out.
Shami, since his return from injury, has looked a shadow of his former self. Although he returned to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy and played the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before his international return, he has struggled.
In IPL 2025, he has bowled 30 overs for just 6 wickets. While he did bag a fifer in the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh, his returns were otherwise not excellent. In the Champions Trophy final, Shami went for 74 runs in his 10 overs for just one wicket.
Shami since return from injury
YearMatOvsWcktsBestAvgEconIPL 202593062/2856.1711.23ODIs756.5115/5330.635.92T20I25.333/2516.669.09Former India opener Aakash Chopra was critical. He raised questions about his fitness.
“That’s a big question there, no, because it’s not like he came back from an injury last week or last month. He started playing domestic cricket last year and this is May already,” Chopra said. “He’s played an ICC event in between. He’s played a lot of games. If he’s still off the boil, and that has something to do with the injury – and we’re all assuming that it is – then there is a serious question mark with regards to what happens next,“ Chopra told ESPN Cricinfo.
Shami in India squad for England?
While SRH have just four matches left and are all but out of the playoff race, the next big thing for Shami is the England tour. Even though Jasprit Bumrah is back to his full fitness, Shami is a crucial cog in India’s bowling unit. However, if he is not fully fit, should the BCCI Selection Committee look at alternatives?
In Australia, India picked Harshit Rana. While he blew hot and cold, he is making his mark in IPL 2025. Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna are also fit, while Mohammed Siraj has returned to form. India could potentially look at Arshdeep Singh as well.
While Shardul and Harshit are not exceptional, Prasidh has returned to his best. His swing and pace could come in handy in England. Prasidh has also struggled with injuries, but with age on his side, he has made a great recovery, unlike Shami.
As the BCCI Selection Committee picks India squad for England tour in two weeks’ time, Shami will be a big talking point. The last time India toured England, Shami picked up 13 wickets in 7 innings. His experience will be key. But India cannot take an off-colour Shami.
Is there a place for Mohammed Shami in India squad for England Test series? Inside Sport India.
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