Mohammed Shami’s hopes of returning to the Indian cricket team have suffered another setback as he was overlooked for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia.
Mohammed Shami was neither picked in the ODI squad nor the T20I squad for the upcoming Australia tour.
Despite Shami’s determination to make a comeback, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly not ready to recall the seasoned Indian pacer to the side, not just because of his game but majorly because of his declining performances with the ball.
Mohammed Shami overlooked again for India selection
Shami had shown glimpses of his potential earlier this year, picking up nine wickets in five games and playing a key role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph.
But he failed to continue his form in the IPL 2025 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and then his recent domestic outing raised doubts about his pace and consistency.
Shami’s figures of only 1/136 from 34 overs for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy left the BCCI and the national selectors disappointed. Despite this, he had shown a desire to play in the ICC World Cup 2025.
BCCI not ready for Mohammed Shami’s comeback amid declining form
But the BCCI is cautious due to the 35-year-old bowler’s declining form. They now want to see Shami’s stronger performances in domestic cricket before considering an India comeback.
A BCCI source was quoted as saying by The Telegraph: “At this moment, it’s getting increasingly tougher for Shami to return to the Indian team. In the Duleep game too, he wasn’t too impressive, barring one odd spell.
Besides, he isn’t getting any younger, and pace-wise, too, he didn’t seem to be at his best in Duleep. But to continue in the IPL, he has to play a decent amount of domestic games.”
Bengal coach confirms Mohammed Shami’s availability, but CAB yet to decide
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami has made himself available for Bengal for their Ranji Trophy 2025 opener against Uttarakhand, starting October 15, at Eden Gardens. Even Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla confirmed Shami’s availability, but the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has not yet responded to the seasoned fast bowler.
Shukla stated, “I had spoken to Shami six or seven days back, and he had expressed his desire to play. So, on our front, we’re optimistic as far as his availability (in the Ranji opener) is concerned.”
Well, Shami’s performance in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 could be crucial in determining whether he keeps his India dreams alive. However, the CAB will take the final call when they pick the Bengal squad for the Ranji starter. A senior CAB office-bearer revealed, “We’ll sit with Laxmi and discuss all the related aspects most likely on Tuesday.”
Notably, Shami last played for India in the Champions Trophy in the UAE. He has so far played 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is for India and scalped 229, 206, and 27 wickets, respectively. The Indian star also has an impressive first-class record, taking over 340 wickets in 90 games.