Mohammed Shami is making a strong case for an India comeback with his performances in domestic cricket. After missing out on recent national selections amid concerns over his fitness, the veteran pacer has continued to impress in red-ball cricket and reminded the selectors of what he can offer.
India’s team management had suggested that Shami is not suited to longer for the format of the game at this stage of his career. However, his recent spells in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy have raised fresh questions over that assessment and given India three strong reasons to consider bringing him back.
Mohammed Shami Proving That His Body Can Still Handle Red-Ball Cricket
Ajit Agarkar has previously stated that medical information suggested Mohammed Shami was fit for T20 cricket but not ready for longer formats. Shami has challenged those concerns with his workload in domestic cricket and several long spells across the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy.
Shami took 37 wickets in seven matches in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy at an average of 16.72, including three five-wicket hauls. He also claimed 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at 24.53. In the 2026 Duleep Trophy final, he returned figures of 2/17 in 11 overs for East Zone against South Zone.
The 36-year-old last played an international match in the 2025 Champions Trophy final and has not featured in Tests since the 2023 WTC final against Australia. However, his recent domestic workload has kept the debate over his Test return alive.
India Desperately Need a Bowler with Mohammed Shami’s Skill Set
Mohammed Shami’s absence has also left India without one of their most experienced fast bowlers. His ability to maintain an upright seam, attack the stumps, and generate movement with an older ball gives him a different skill set from several of India’s younger pacers.
Jasprit Bumrah's workload has been carefully managed in recent years. With India also developing younger options such as Gurnoor Brar and Akash Deep, Shami’s return would give the attack a proven wicket-taking option alongside the next generation.
The need for experienced pace could become even more important during India’s upcoming overseas assignments. India are scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year for three ODIs, five T20Is, and two Tests.
However, according to a Dainik Jagran report, Shami was not included in the shortlist of five pacers being considered for the New Zealand Tests. The reported shortlist includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, and Akash Deep.
His Current Form Makes the ‘Future vs Mohammed Shami’ Argument Premature
India’s selectors have focused on building a strong pace attack for the future, but Mohammed Shami’s current form makes it difficult to ignore his value. He has continued to take wickets in domestic cricket and has shown that he can handle the physical demands of multi-day matches.
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun believes India should not shut the door on Shami simply because of his age.
“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. It is actually befitting for Shami.”
Shami also impressed during the Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone. He took five wickets in the match, including an athletic caught-and-bowled dismissal. In the final, he again bowled 11 overs in difficult conditions in Chennai on Day 3.
