Mohammed Shami’s hopes of returning to the Indian cricket team suffered another setback as he missed out on the upcoming white-ball tour to Australia. Mohammed Shami was not selected in either the ODI or T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Australia.
Despite Shami’s determination to return, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly not ready to recall the experienced Indian pacer back to the team. The reason for this is not only because of Shami’s game, but mainly because of his poor performance with the ball.
Mohammed Shami left out of India squad again
Shami showed glimpses of his potential earlier this year, picking up nine wickets in five matches and playing a key role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory.
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However, he has not been able to maintain his form in IPL 2025 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and questions have been raised about his pace and consistency in the recent domestic tour.
Shami’s performance in the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy was just 1/136 in 34 overs, much to the disappointment of the BCCI and the national selectors. Despite this, he had expressed his desire to play in the 2025 ICC World Cup.
BCCI is not ready for the return of Mohammed Shami, whose form has declined.
However, the BCCI has become cautious due to the 35-year-old bowler’s declining form. They now want to see stronger performances from Shami in domestic cricket before considering a return to India.
The Telegraph quoted a BCCI official as saying, “At this point, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Shami to return to the Indian team. Even against Duleep, barring one odd spell, he did not make much of an impression.”
Besides, he is not getting any younger and pace-wise, he didn’t seem to be at his best in Duleep. However, in order to continue playing in the IPL, he will need to play a significant amount of domestic matches. ”
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Bengal coach confirms Mohammad Shami’s availability, but CAB is yet to decide
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami has been made available for Bengal in the opening match of Ranji Trophy 2025 against Uttarakhand starting October 15 at Eden Gardens. Even Bengal head coach Lakshmi Ratan Shukla has confirmed Shami’s availability, but the Cricket Board of Bengal (CAB) is yet to respond to the experienced fast bowler.
“I spoke to Shami six-seven days ago and he expressed his desire to play. So we are optimistic about his availability (for the Ranji opener),” Shukla said.
Now, Shami’s performance in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 could be crucial in deciding whether he keeps the Indian dream alive or not. However, the final decision on selecting the Bengal international as Ranji’s starter will be taken by the CAB. “We will meet with Ms. Lakshmi and discuss all related aspects, probably on Tuesday,” a senior CAB official said.
Notably, Shami last played for India in the Champions Trophy in UAE. He has so far played 64 Tests, 108 ODIs and 25 T20Is for India, scalping 229, 206 and 27 wickets respectively. The Indian star also has an impressive first-class record of taking over 340 wickets in 90 matches.