India’s discarded veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has alleged that there is lack of communication from selectors and team management’s side over continued snub from Test side. Shami has had success in ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season but wasn’t picked in the squad for two-Test series against South Africa. Amidst question marks over Shami’s return to Test side, a report has claimed that the selectors were desperate to get his services for England tour. They wanted him to play one of the games for India A against England Lions but he refused saying he needs to build his workload and should not be considered for the preparatory games.
“There have been multiple times that national selectors and support staff from the BCCI Centre of Excellence have called to check on Shami. The selection committee was desperate to get his services in England as Jasprit Bumrah could not have played more than three Tests. Who wouldn’t want a bowler of his calibre in English conditions?" a senior board official told PTI.
“So the narrative that there was no communication with Shami isn’t an absolute truth. The sports science team also has his medical reports and whether his body will be able to take the rigours of international cricket," the official added.
Shami has claimed 15 wickets from three Ranji games already, including a fifer against Gujarat. He remained wicketless against Tripura and opted not to play in the ongoing game against Railways. So far, he has bowled 93 overs in a span of three weeks.
Shami’s long absence and ODI snub
Shami’s last Test appearance was in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final against Australia. He was in the form of his life in the ODI World Cup 2023, playing despite an ankle injury that needed to be operated upon later. He returned in the home white-ball series against England and was part of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025-winning squad. But, he wasn’t considered for Australia white-ball tour as Harshit Rana was picked ahead of him.
What’s next for Shami?
Shami has made himself available for the Ranji Trophy clash against Assam. It will be followed by Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 clash against Baroda, starting November 26.