The exclusion of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami from India's squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa has sparked debate about the future of his international career. The two-Test series, a part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, begins on November 14 in Kolkata.
Shami's absence from the squad, along with his prior exclusions from series against England and the West Indies, and even the India A squad, has led to speculation that his time in the national team may be coming to an end.
Fitness Concerns and Selectors' Perspective
Selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, have reportedly cited fitness concerns as the primary reason for Shami's exclusion. While Shami has maintained his fitness and performance levels, particularly in domestic cricket, doubts remain about his ability to withstand the rigors of international cricket. It has been reported that Shami communicated his need to build workload before the England series. There are also concerns about his bowling spells and average speed in domestic cricket.
Shami's Recent Performances
Shami last played a Test match for India in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023. Following the 2023 ODI World Cup, a heel injury sidelined him for over a year, requiring surgery. He made a comeback in the series against England earlier in 2025 and was also named in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. However, his performance in the IPL 2025 was lackluster, leading to his exclusion from various formats. Despite this, Shami has been performing well in domestic red-ball cricket, taking 15 wickets in three games, including a 5-wicket haul.
Ganguly's Support
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has publicly supported Shami, questioning the selectors' decision to exclude him. Ganguly stated that he sees no reason why Shami cannot continue playing for India, considering his skill and fitness. He emphasized Shami's recent performances in the Ranji Trophy, where he single-handedly won games for Bengal.
The Road Ahead
Shami's age (35) and past injuries raise concerns about his long-term prospects in the Indian team. With India set to play most of their Test matches in the subcontinent in the current WTC cycle, the team may opt for only two pacers, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as the likely choices. The emergence of young pacers like Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep further intensifies the competition for spots in the team.
Despite the challenges, Shami's experience and proven record in international cricket cannot be discounted. His ability to bowl with consistent pace and accuracy, along with his skill in generating reverse swing, makes him a valuable asset.
Whether Mohammed Shami will wear the Indian colors again remains uncertain. His exclusion from the South Africa Test series, coupled with fitness concerns and the rise of younger pacers, paints a challenging picture. However, with his domestic performances, the backing of figures like Sourav Ganguly, and his own determination, a comeback cannot be ruled out.
