The India National Cricket Team’s pace bowling plans could soon see a dramatic change as Jasprit Bumrah is expected to miss the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan, which brought Mohammed Shami back into the selection radar. Jasprit Bumrah is toiling hard in the ongoing IPL 2026.
The premier fast bowler is also struggling badly this season with the ball for the Mumbai Indians (MI). Bumrah has managed only 3 wickets at a shockingly high bowling average of 109.67 and economy rate of nearly 9 in 10 matches for MI this season.
Mohammed Shami back in India’s Test selection discussion
Bumrah’s poor form and workload have brought Mohammed Shami back into the spotlight. After missing a lot of international actions because of injury, fitness, and form, the experienced fast bowler is now once again being seriously discussed for a return to the Indian Test team.
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The Indian selectors are preparing to meet soon to discuss the squad for the home Test against Afghanistan and then for the big series against England. But the biggest question right now is who will partner Mohammed Siraj if Bumrah is unavailable.
Several young pacers are in contention, but Shami’s recent performances have made it impossible for the selectors to ignore him any longer. He has worked hard and made a strong comeback in domestic cricket.
Shami’s brilliant domestic season forces selectors to notice him again
He picked up an impressive 36 wickets in the Ranji Trophy and showed that he still has the hunger and sharpness to trouble batters in red-ball cricket. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shami scalped 16 wickets and then picked another 15 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Even in the ongoing IPL 2026, Shami has looked in good form for the Lucknow Super Giants and has shown glimpses of his old swing and control. The way he has maintained his fitness and bowling intensity throughout this season has impressed everyone.
Mohammed Shami likely to make India comeback against Afghanistan
Well, the Indian selectors may still want to build a younger pace attack for the long term, but they also understand the value of experience in difficult overseas conditions. And when it comes to Tests, especially with the old ball and reverse swing, Shami’s skill and ability to generate late swing makes him standout that the team badly need in upcoming Test matches.
Shami remains one of the best seam bowlers in the country when conditions start helping reverse swing. As reported by CricBlogger, there are strong chances of Mohammed Shami’s return to the Test team for the one-off Test against Afghanistan at home. The selectors are now reportedly ready to seriously consider him, the veteran bowler, for the Test squad.
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Selectors still divided over Shami’s return despite the need of Jasprit Bumrah's workload management
However, sources claimed that there is still some difference of opinion inside the selection committee. Some believe India should continue backing young bowlers instead of going back to senior players again. They feel the team must prepare a fresh bowling group for the future.
But many others believe Shami deserves another chance. His domestic performances have been excellent, and he has maintained his fitness. Those close to Indian cricket also feel that a player with Shami’s experience cannot be ignored so easily, especially when India are preparing for a tough Test season.
Another major factor is workload management. The team management is expected to carefully manage Bumrah’s fitness during the upcoming England series because he remains India’s key bowler across formats. This makes experienced backup options extremely important, and Shami fits perfectly into that category.
