India is gearing up for a crucial five-match Test series against England, which will also mark the beginning of the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. However, ahead of the series, reports from the Indian media suggest that veteran pacer Mohammed Shami may be left out of the squad due to fitness issues.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the 34-year-old has not yet fully recovered from his injury. Shami underwent ankle surgery last year, and while he has since returned to the field, his fitness remains a concern. As a result, selectors are reportedly reluctant to include him in the squad for the England tour.
India notably missed Shami’s presence during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia when Jasprit Bumrah received little support from the rest of the bowling unit. Although Shami made a comeback during the Champions Trophy, his lack of full fitness was clearly evident.
His struggles have continued in the IPL, where he has been out of form playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Indian selection committee believes Shami currently lacks the stamina required for Test cricket, especially in England, where bowlers are expected to deliver long spells on green, seam-friendly pitches. Without that capability, the team management sees no point in taking him on the tour.
In Shami’s potential absence, the selectors are considering Arshdeep Singh as a replacement. Shami last bowled in a Test during the World Test Championship final at The Oval in 2023, and hasn’t featured in the format since due to recurring injuries.
Two options are being explored:
Arshdeep Singh, who played county cricket for Kent in England last year.
Anshul Kamboj, a promising pacer from Haryana, who is currently part of the India A squad set to tour England.
The final decision will depend on fitness updates and further assessments in the lead-up to the tour.
