A big blow ahead of the IND vs ENG five-match Test series, veteran seamer Mohammed Shami is likely to be left out of India’s squad. The much-awaited red-ball series in England will begin on June 20, but sources indicate that the Indian pace spearhead will not be included.
BCCI’s Medical Team Flags Shami’s Fitness Concerns
In a report by The Indian Express, the BCCI medical team has expressed concern regarding Mohammed Shami’s fitness. Even though he bowled short spells of bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, the 34-year-old pacer is not reportedly in a situation to bowl long spells needed in Test cricket, particularly under English conditions.
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“Shami is bowling four overs in IPL, but the selectors are not sure if he can handle more than 10 overs in a day,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying. “England conditions will demand sustained spells, and we can’t afford to take risks.”
Shami’s Last Test Appearance & Injury Woes
Mohammed Shami had his last Test outing in the World Test Championship 2023 Final vs. Australia at The Oval. After the tournament, he had ankle surgery in early 2024, keeping him out of action for close to a year. Although he came back to competitive cricket for Bengal and was a member of India’s winning Champions Trophy 2025 team, his fitness to play five Tests in a row is questionable.
Shami has already missed several significant events over the past few years, including:
T20 World Cup in Australia and the West Indies
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Arshdeep Singh to Replace Shami in Test Squad?
With Shami set to miss the IND vs ENG series, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is being considered a prime candidate for a Test position. His previous experience representing Kent County cricket in England may be an advantage that could present India with a useful left-arm pace option in English conditions.
Leadership Shift: Shubman Gill to Replace Rohit Sharma?
Meanwhile, Sports Tak indicated that the BCCI will formally make the Test squad announcement on May 24. Another major update is the imminent appointment of Shubman Gill as India’s next Test captain in place of Rohit Sharma.
India Seeks Redemption After Loss to Australia
This five-Test series against England will be India’s first red-ball assignment after their 3-1 series loss in Australia, which eliminated them from the race for the WTC Final 2025. With Mohammed Shami possibly missing out, India will be looking to restart their bowling strategy and mount a strong comeback on English soil.
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