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Mohammed Shami's absence in India's Test squad for the upcoming South Africa series has left many thinking about the superstar pacer's future. BCCI announced India's 15-member squad for the two-match Tests against South Africa on November 5, with the major highlight being the return of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Pant makes his comeback after sustaining a foot fracture during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July, an injury that forced him to miss the subsequent series against the West Indies.
Mohammed Shami's continued omission raises questions
Besides Pant's return, the continued snub of Mohammed Shami has generated fresh questions regarding his future in red-ball cricket. The 34-year-old fast bowler was not included in either the senior Test squad or the India A squad. This marks the third consecutive Test assignment, following the series against England and the West Indies, from which Shami has been overlooked, despite having the required fitness and form reportedly.
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The two-match Test series against South Africa is scheduled to begin from November 14. While the first will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the second clash is scheduled to be played in to Guwahati from November 22.
All over for Shami?
The continuous omission of Shami has fueled speculation that the selectors are signaling an end to his tenure in Test cricket. Shami last played a Test match during the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023. Although he participated in the Champions Trophy 2025, his performance in the most recent IPL season was reportedly underwhelming. This dip in form, combined with the selection committee's visible focus on integrating younger fast bowlers into the setup, seems to have pushed the 34-year-old further down the Test pecking order.
If you look at Shami's recent domestic form, the decision looks a little harsh. He has grabbed 15 wickets across just three Ranji Trophy matches, which is topped with a five-wicket haul against Gujarat. Despite this proven ability, his name was conspicuously absent from both the senior Test squad. The superstar, who almost won India the 2023 ODI World Cup trophy, is struggling to find a spot in India's Test squad.
India's Test squad for South Africa series:
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep.
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