Mohammed Shami refused to be available for the India vs England Test series? Check details
Mohammed Shami has been out of the Indian team for a long while. His last international appearance came during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, where India successfully clinched the title. Following this, he hasn’t returned to the international matches so far. This year, after the Champions Trophy, the Indian team played five Test matches on the England tour, two Test matches at home against the West Indies, and then three ODIs and five T20Is on the tour of Australia. However, Mohammed Shami was not included in any of these series.
BCCI selector Ajit Agarkar frequently informed the media that Shami was improving his fitness and was not yet fully fit.
"If he says that to me, I will probably answer that. I mean, if he were here, I would probably do that. I am not quite sure what he said on social media. Maybe if I read that, I might give him a call, but my phone is always on for most players. I have had multiple chats with him over the last few months, but I don't want to try and give you a headline here."
"He has been an incredible performer for India.
Agarkar added that if he is bowling well, why would you not want to have someone like Shami, but unfortunately, his fitness isn’t there.
On the other hand, Shami denied all these claims and was regularly seen playing Ranji Trophy matches. It appeared that things were not going well between Shami and management following these kinds of remarks from both sides. Shami has expressed frustration over his exclusion. But BCCI dismisses all of these claims. According to a senior board member,
“A number of times, national selectors and the BCCI Centre of Excellence staff have reached out to check on Shami. The selection committee was keen to have him for England, as Jasprit Bumrah could have played no more than three Tests.”
“Any team would want a bowler of his skill in English conditions,” he said, pointing to the series that concluded in a 2-2 draw for India earlier this year."
According to the BCCI, Mohammed Shami was approached several times by a senior member of the panel to ask about his fitness. He even urged him to represent India A in at least one match against the England Lions. Shami said he still needs to improve his fitness and is not fully prepared for the match against England A.
“So the narrative that there was no communication with Shami isn’t entirely accurate. The sports science team also has his medical reports and can assess whether his body is ready for the demands of international cricket,” the senior official added.
Mohammed Shami’s Recent Performance
Mohammed Shami is currently playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2025/26. He has played three matches so far, taking 15 wickets in five innings, including a fifer. He also bowled 93 overs, which showed his fitness level.
A few days ago, India’s Test squad was announced for the two-match home Test series against South Africa, which will commence on November 14. It seemed that Shami might be back in the test setup after a brilliant performance in the Ranji Trophy. However, this performance hasn’t been enough to secure a place in India’s Test squad.
