Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has questioned the way Mohammed Shami has been treated by the current Indian selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar.
Shami has been out of the Indian team since the Champions Trophy in March 2025.
Despite continuing to perform strongly in domestic cricket, the veteran pacer has not found a place in India’s plans. Arun believes the door should not have been closed on a bowler who still has plenty to offer.
What did Bharat Arun say about Mohammed Shami?
Arun strongly backed Shami and argued that age should not be the deciding factor when a player continues to perform.
The former India bowling coach pointed towards Shami’s durability and long career as evidence of his ability to keep delivering at the highest level.
‘They shouldn’t have closed the door on Shami. There is still plenty of cricket left in him,’ Arun told The Indian Express.
He added that a player’s age should not become a concern when performances remain consistent. Arun also highlighted Shami’s milestone of playing 100 first-class matches, describing it as fitting for a bowler who has built his career around the red ball.
When did Shami last play for India?
Shami last represented India during the Champions Trophy in March 2025. Since then, the experienced fast bowler has remained outside the national setup.
He has continued playing domestic cricket, including for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, in an effort to maintain his match fitness and remain ready for an India comeback.
Where is Shami currently playing?
Shami is currently representing East Zone in the Duleep Trophy. He featured in the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone, giving him another opportunity to showcase his form in first-class cricket.
The match also marked his 100th first-class appearance, adding another major milestone to his career. Shami’s domestic performances have kept the debate over his India future alive.
What happened between Shami and Ajit Agarkar?
The debate over Shami’s India future became more intense last year after a public exchange between the pacer and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
After Shami was left out of India’s Test squad for the series against the West Indies, Agarkar raised questions about the fast bowler’s fitness.
Shami responded by making it clear that he would not have played the Ranji Trophy for Bengal if he was not fit enough to take the field. The public disagreement added another layer to the uncertainty surrounding his international future.
Why is Shami still being overlooked?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Shami is why India have continued to look beyond him even when Jasprit Bumrah has been unavailable.
The selectors and team management have preferred younger fast bowlers rather than turning to the experience of Shami.
The veteran pacer, however, has continued to perform on the domestic circuit. His performances have strengthened the argument that he could still contribute to India’s bowling attack.
Ishan Kishan backs Shami’s India comeback hopes
East Zone captain Ishan Kishan has also praised Shami’s attitude and intensity. Kishan revealed that Shami has been pushing himself hard during the Duleep Trophy and has even asked for additional overs in search of wickets.
According to Kishan, Shami’s approach this season has been noticeably different. The wicketkeeper-batter said he has seen a renewed hunger and energy in the veteran pacer.
Shami still hungry for India return
Kishan believes Shami still has a strong desire to return to the Indian team. The East Zone captain said the pacer’s motivation is particularly impressive considering he has not been a regular part of India’s setup.
Shami’s intensity during domestic matches, according to Kishan, suggests that the veteran is determined to earn another opportunity with India.
Can Mohammed Shami make an India comeback?
The door to an India return may still be open if Shami continues to deliver consistently in domestic cricket. His experience, record and ability to perform with the red ball remain major strengths.
For now, the veteran pacer appears focused on proving his fitness and form on the domestic circuit. With Bharat Arun publicly backing him and Ishan Kishan highlighting his hunger for a comeback, the debate over Mohammed Shami’s India future is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.