Mohammed Shami's England tour selection unlikely; BCCI unhappy with Mohammed Siraj

The India National Cricket Team fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, is running against time in Test cricket. As per the reports in the Times of India, it is learned that the fast bowler's future in the longest format of the game has come under massive doubt.

Ever since Mohammed Shami returned from injury, the fast bowler has looked far from his best. The pacer, who suffered an ankle injury during the ICC World Cup 2023, made a comeback ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but has been lacking his rhythm since then.

Mohammed Shami has been bowling expensive spells, and struggling with fitness

Mohammed Shami has been bowling expensive spells, but what has been concerning is his fitness. The fast bowler has been seen struggling with his run-up as well. This has been quite evident in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where he is playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Mohammed Shami has looked in torrid touch with the ball as he has been leaking runs and has also been struggling with his fitness. This will be a massive headache for the India National Cricket Team, especially with the Test series against England around the corner.

As of now, Shami isn’t an automatic pick - Source close to the BCCI

A source close to the BCCI highlighted Mohammed Shami's fitness, saying that the fast bowler isn’t an automatic pick. He pointed out how the pacer is going back to the dugout after bowling just a few overs. Speaking to the Times of India, he said:

"As of now, Shami isn’t an automatic pick. It’s been months since he has come back to international cricket but he has barely been in rhythm.

"While IPL performances are not usually considered while picking India teams, Shami is struggling to finish his run-up and the ball is not carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury after the 2023 ODI World Cup. He invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery,” BCCI sources said.

The reports claimed that selectors are keen to play Jasprit Bumrah in just two or three games in the series due to his workload management. They were understood to have a lot of hopes for Mohammed Shami in this case, but the latter's form has put them in tension.

The source claimed that the selectors planned to play either Mohammed Shami or Jasprit Bumrah in every Test. But Shami's struggle is a big issue, and the management is looking at the problem the fast bowler is facing. He added:

“The initial plan was to ensure the team can at least play either of Shami or Bumrah in every Test. However, if Bumrah is rested for a match and Shami struggles to pull through, it will be a big issue. They are trying to understand the problem Shami may be facing."

England tour could be a make-or-break series for Mohammed Siraj

Not only this, the Indian selectors are also bothered by Mohammed Siraj's inability to step up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Hence, it is reported that the England tour could be his last if he fails to perform in the five-match Test series.

Discussions are also taking place about having a left-arm pacer in the team. The names of Yash Dayal, Khaleel Ahmed, and Arshdeep Singh have popped up as well. The Punjab pacer's ability to swing the ball has impressed the selectors, but a lack of FC experience might not work in his favour.

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