Mohammed Shami’s future in Indian cricket looks uncertain, and signs suggest that the veteran fast bowler may have already played his last international match. Even though he has bowled around 93 overs in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26, it doesn’t look like fans will see him wearing the Indian whites again. His chances of returning to the ODI team also seem less.
35-year-old fast bowler Mohammed Shami has already represented India in 197 matches across all formats. However, he has not been a part of any Indian team since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year, as the selectors have shifted their focus to young fast bowlers.
His troubles began after the 2023 World Cup when a serious heel injury required him to undergo surgery. The long recovery required him to stay away from the game for months and even after his return he never got opportunities at the international level.
Mohammed Shami’s international future in doubt despite return to Ranji Trophy
Indian fast bowlers like Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep have moved on, making it even more difficult for Shami to regain his place in the Test and T20I teams. It appears that the ODI format is his best chance of a comeback, but with the ICC World Cup scheduled in 2027, the road ahead looks tough. By that time, Shami will be 37, and his injury record, especially with his knee and heel, will make it difficult for selectors to make long-term plans around him.
Also read: Amidst the departure of Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals made an official announcement like captaincy for the first time.
Meanwhile, it is being said that the selection committee was keen on picking Mohammed Shami for the England Test series earlier this year, especially given the concerns over Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. The selectors had also requested Shami to play one of the India A matches against the England Lions in Canterbury or Northampton to assess his Test fitness. But the senior fast bowler informed him that he is still juggling his bowling workload and is not ready to take part in the task.
PTI quoted a BCCI official as saying, “There have been times when the national selectors and the support staff at the BCCI Center of Excellence have called to check on Shami. The selection committee was desperate to get his services in England as Jasprit Bumrah could not play more than three Tests. Who wouldn’t want a bowler of his caliber in English conditions?”
BCCI’s medical team is closely monitoring the fitness of Mohammed Shami before the important decision of the selectors.
It is also being said that BCCI’s sports science and medical team is constantly monitoring the fitness of Mohammed Shami. They have access to his detailed medical reports and are evaluating whether his body can handle the physical demands of international cricket once again.
The main concern is whether his body can tolerate the intense workload required at the top level. Although Shami believes that he still has enough potential to make an impact, the final decision has to be taken by the selectors.
They will have to decide whether it is worth investing in a 35-year-old fast bowler who has struggled with recurring injuries when there are younger bowlers waiting for their chance.
Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja placed in CSK’s retention list along with MS Dhoni amid RR trade rumours.
BCCI denies reports of inappropriate communication with Mohammed Shami
There have also been reports of Shami being unhappy with the Indian selectors. He reportedly feels there has been little communication from the national system about his future. However, BCCI sources have termed these as fake claims. Both the selectors and the support staff have contacted Shami several times to check his recovery and fitness.
The senior official further added, “So, the story that there was no conversation with Shami is not the complete truth. The sports science team also has his medical report and whether his body will be able to withstand the rigors of international cricket.”