Mohammed Shami is quietly going out of the picture of Indian cricket. Despite proving his fitness and form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Mohammed Shami is being ignored by the selectors for India selection.
The senior Indian fast bowler was not selected in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. Despite being in great form for Bengal this season, he was also not selected in the India A squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa A.
Mohammed Shami ignored for South Africa Test because of Gautam Gambhir
Shami, showing a glimpse of his old talent, has taken 15 wickets for Bengal in three matches so far in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26. Yet, the experienced pace was ignored by the team management as they experimented with a young group of bowlers in the longest format of the game.
Also read: RCB’s name will change! Franchise’s legacy shattered in one move
According to a Cricblogger report, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir is not yet keen on bringing Mohammed Shami back into the Test team. The reason behind this decision is not entirely clear, but sources claimed that Gambhir wants to invest in a young pace attack who can serve Indian cricket for years to come.
The selectors wanted to recall Mohammed Shami, but Gautam Gambhir stopped his return.
However, the selectors wanted to recall Shami for the South Africa Test. Adding to the confusion is the fact that Shami’s Bengal teammate Akash Deep has been selected for the upcoming Test series against South Africa on home soil, even though the senior fast bowler’s experience and record clearly makes him the first choice for them.
Gambhir’s move has sparked a lot of debate among fans and former players, who believe that a man of Shami’s stature deserves better treatment. Meanwhile, it is also being speculated that Shami himself is unsure about where he stands in the current setup.
The Bengal fast bowler has continued to train and perform, but the lack of communication and clarity about his future has left him disappointed. Well, Shami has decided to skip Bengal’s fourth match in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 due to personal commitments.
Also read: Mohammed Shami’s retirement confirmed; Announcement will be made public soon
Mohammed Shami may have to quietly exit Test cricket
Over the years, Shami has been one of India’s most lethal bowlers and is capable of demolishing the top order on any surface, especially in Test cricket. His ability to extract movement from the pitch and bowl fast with the old ball made him a constant threat both at home and away.
With Mohammed Siraj now firmly established as Jasprit Bumrah’s new-ball partner, the Indian team management is reportedly satisfied with their current pace combination for the Tests. However, if this is indeed the end of Shami’s journey in Tests, many felt he did not deserve this quiet exit.
The 34-year-old has so far represented India in 64 Tests, 108 ODIs and 25 T20Is, taking 229, 206 and 27 wickets respectively. Shami last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the UAE. His normal IPL 2025 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).