“Incapaz de tomar posibilidades”

Mohammed Shami is all set to be excluded from India’s squad for the upcoming Test series against England. The selectors are reportedly concerned about the pacer’s fitness and his ability to bowl longer spells. The squad is expected to be announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir in a press conference on May 24 at 12 PM.

No Shami for India in England

As per The Indian Express, a BCCI source claimed that the selectors were unsure if Shami could bowl 10 overs a day. The source added that the selectors did not want to take any chances as as Test matches in England required a bowler to bowl long spells.

“Shami is bowling four overs in IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad but the board and selectors don’t know whether he can bowl more than 10 overs in a day. Test matches in England may demand longer spells from the pacers and we can’t take chances,” a source in the board said.

Shami made his comeback to international cricket earlier this year after spending nearly a year on the sidelines. He went under the knife last year owing to an ankle injury. His comeback was also hampered by other complications, including swelling in his knees.

The veteran pacer last played a Test in 2023. In IPL 2025, Shami has been least impressive, failing to find the right lengths and bowl at consistent speeds.

With Shami out of the equation for England Tests, and Bumrah set to not play all five Tests, Arshdeep Singh could make his much-awaited Test debut. Additionally, the selectors could also consider Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna as well.

The five-match Test series is scheduled to commence from June 20 onwards. Prior to that, the Indian team will take on India A in an intra-squad match.