Reports: Mohammed Shami isn’t an automatic choice for selection in Tests

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, who failed to create an impact in the IPL 2025 season, isn't an automatic choice for selection in the Test team's playing XI. Notably, he made his return to IPL after a long-term injury, and he hasn’t played in this format since the WTC 2023 final.

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For the unversed, Shami had an ankle injury, missing Team India's 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle. Though he was fit enough to make his return in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he was suggested to take part in domestic cricket before making his international return.

Mohammed Shami's return to international cricket came in England's white-ball series. Later, he was also part of India's successful ICC Champions Trophy 2025 stint. However, he couldn’t make it big in the IPL 2025 season, bowling inconsistent lines and lengths. 

Shami managed to pocket only six wickets, having played nine games in IPL 2025 for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Unfortunately, he had an economy of 11.23 and an average of 56.17 this season.

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“As of now, Shami isn’t an automatic pick. It’s been months since he has come back to international cricket but he has barely been in rhythm. While IPL performances are usually not considered while picking India teams, Shami is struggling to finish his run-up and the ball is not carrying to the keeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury. He invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery,” a source told the Times of India.

Nevertheless, Shami was one of the star bowlers for Team India in England, scalping 42 wickets from 14 games in the last three tours. With Shami not being considered a frontline bowling option, he would make way for young pacers who have been doing well in the longest format of the game in domestic cricket.

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