Mohammed Shami's India career, England tour in jeopardy

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) fast bowler’s lackluster performance in the IPL 2025 season. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Mohammed Shami is not looking good right now, which is a concern for India ahead of the Test series in England.

Mohammed Shami had a poor outing during the match between Gujarat and Hyderabad in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 2. He went wicketless and conceded 48 runs in just three overs. Gujarat posted a massive total of 224 runs. The Pat Cummins-led team scored 186/6 in their 20 overs and lost the match by 38 runs.

There Is a Serious Question Mark - Aakash Chopra Questions Mohammed Shami's Form

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out, Aakash Chopra said that Mohammed Shami has been playing for several months. Chopra added that Shami still seems far from his best.

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"That's a big question there, no, because it's not like he came back from an injury last week or last month. He started playing domestic cricket last year, and this is May already," Chopra said.

"He's played an ICC event [Champions Trophy] in between. He's played a lot of games. If he's still off the boil, and that has something to do with the injury - and we're all assuming that it is - then there is a serious question mark with regards to what happens next," he added.

Will There Be Shami in England Is the Question- Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra recalled that Jasprit Bumrah lacked support during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Mohammed Shami’s absence and added that Shami’s presence could have made a difference. Chopra also questioned whether Shami will play in England with his form.

"Of course, [SRH] is one story. The other is the tour of England. All of us were harping about the fact that at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, [Jasprit] Bumrah was alone, there was no Shami, and if there was Shami, how things would have been different. But will there be Shami [in England] is the question. And what kind of Shami?" Chopra added.

That Is His Only Strength, and It Is Phenomenal - Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator said that no player is immune to criticism if they fail to perform in the IPL. However, Chopra pointed out that Mohammed Shami has slowed down, and he is not consistently hitting the same areas with his deliveries.

"This tournament is such that it doesn't matter who you are. If you're not delivering the goods, you will be taken to the cleaners.

And right now, what I see with Shami is, pace down is one bit, second is not enough balls getting bowled in the same area. Mohammed Shami was always that. That is his only strength, and it is phenomenal," Chopra opined.

Shami has taken just six wickets from nine matches at an average of 56.17 and an economy rate of 11.23. Sunrisers Hyderabad have also had a disappointing season. Shami conceded 75 runs against Punjab Kings (PBKS) - the second-most expensive four-over spell.

Also read: RCB announced IPL 2025 winner