The Indian national cricket team’s fast bowling plans may soon see a dramatic change as Jasprit Bumrah is expected to miss the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, bringing Mohammed Shami back on the selection radar. Jasprit Bumrah is working hard in the current IPL 2026.
The leading fast bowler has been struggling badly with the ball for Mumbai Indians (MI) this season. In 10 matches for MI this season, Bumrah has managed to take only 3 wickets at a shockingly high bowling average of 109.67 and an economy rate of around 9.
Mohammed Shami returns to India’s Test selection discussion
Bumrah’s poor form and workload have brought Mohammed Shami back into the limelight. After being out of several international matches due to injury, fitness and form, the experienced fast bowler is now being seriously discussed for a comeback in the Indian Test team once again.
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The Indian selectors are preparing to meet soon to discuss the squad for the home Test against Afghanistan and then the big series against England. But the biggest question right now is that if Bumrah is unavailable then who will be Mohammad Siraj’s partner.
Many young fast bowlers are in contention, but Shami’s recent performances have made it impossible for the selectors to ignore him any longer. He has worked hard and made a strong comeback in domestic cricket.
Shami’s brilliant domestic season has forced the selectors to pay attention to him again
He took an impressive 36 wickets in the Ranji Trophy and showed that he still has the hunger and sharpness to trouble the batsmen in red-ball cricket. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shami took 16 wickets and then took 15 more wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Even in the ongoing IPL 2026, Shami is looking in good form for Lucknow Super Giants and has shown glimpses of his old swing and control. The way he has maintained his fitness and bowling intensity throughout this season has impressed everyone.
Mohammed Shami may make a comeback in India against Afghanistan
Well, the Indian selectors still want to build a young pace attack for the long term, but they also understand the value of experience in tough overseas conditions. And when it comes to Tests, especially with the older ball and reverse swing, Shami’s skill and ability to generate late swing makes him something the team desperately needs in the upcoming Test matches.
When conditions favor reverse swing, Shami remains one of the best seam bowlers in the country. According to a Cricblogger report, there is a strong possibility of Mohammed Shami returning to the Test team for the one-off Test against Afghanistan at home. The selectors are reportedly now ready to seriously consider the experienced bowler for the Test team.
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Selectors still divided on Shami’s return despite need to manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload
However, sources claimed that there are still some differences within the selection committee. Some believe that India should continue to support young bowlers rather than reverting to senior players again. He believes that the team will have to prepare a new bowling group for the future.
But many others believe Shami deserves another chance. His domestic performance has been excellent and he has maintained his fitness. People close to Indian cricket also feel that a player with Shami’s experience cannot be ignored so easily, especially when India is preparing for a tough Test season.
Another key factor is workload management. The team management is expected to carefully manage Bumrah’s fitness during the upcoming England series as he remains India’s leading bowler across all formats. This makes experienced backup options extremely important, and Shami fits perfectly into that category.
