Former Team India bowling coach Bharat Arun has urged chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir to keep the door open for Mohammed Shami. Arun stated that the selectors moved on from the veteran fast bowler too quickly despite his consistent performances in domestic cricket.
Shami has not played for Team India since the ICC Champions Trophy final in 2025. While younger pacers such as Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Gurnoor Brar are competing for all-format spots, Shami continues to impress in domestic red-ball cricket and is currently playing his 100th first-class match.
Bharat Arun Backs Mohammed Shami for India Recall
Bharat Arun has backed Mohammed Shami for a return to the national team. Speaking to The Indian Express, Arun said that age should not become a selection barrier as long as Shami continues to perform.
"They shouldn't have closed the door on Shami. There is still plenty of cricket left in him. When someone is performing, age shouldn't be a factor. You see his durability. It is an outstanding number for the kind of talent he possesses."
Shami has taken 37 wickets in seven matches for Bengal in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy at an average of 16.72. He also picked up 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at an average of 24.53.
Mohammed Shami Set to Play 100th First-Class Match
Mohammed Shami reached a major milestone during the Duleep Trophy 2026 final between East Zone and South Zone. The match is his 100th first-class appearance and Arun said that the pacer has a long-standing love for red-ball cricket.
"It is actually befitting for Shami. 100 first-class matches with what he loves most, the red ball. He loves bowling. It doesn't matter whether it is in the nets or in the middle of a game. You give him the red ball, or any ball for that matter, he would mark his run-up and start bowling."
Shami recently made his presence felt in the Duleep Trophy semifinal against Central Zone. He took five wickets across the match and also showed that he can still handle long spells.
However, his last Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. He returned to international cricket in the 2025 Champions Trophy and last played for India in the tournament final.
BCCI Selectors Leave Mohammed Shami Out of New Zealand Test Plans
Mohammed Shami remains outside India's current Test plans. According to a Dainik Jagran report, the BCCI selectors have shortlisted five pacers for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand.
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, and Akash Deep have been shortlisted. India will also play three ODIs and five T20Is during the New Zealand tour. Shami's international career has also been affected by injuries since his outstanding 2023 ODI World Cup campaign.
The right-arm fast bowler took 23 wickets in seven matches at an average of 10.70 before an ankle injury and subsequent surgery kept him out for almost a year. He eventually returned for the 2025 Champions Trophy but has not played for India since the final.
