Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has voiced considerable skepticism regarding Mohammed Shami’s potential return to the national cricket team, primarily due to the veteran pacer’s significant lack of recent competitive match practice.
Speaking on his popular YouTube channel, Chopra expressed his concern: “I feel it won’t be good because if his name has not come now, the chances of his name coming in India are very less in any case. Of course, he will and is playing domestic cricket and he has asked people why they are after him if he wants to play, and that is absolutely fine.”
Despite acknowledging Shami’s immense experience and undeniable talent, Chopra pointed out that the 35-year-old speedster has fallen significantly behind in the highly competitive race for a spot among India’s fast bowlers.
“However, he has fallen way behind in the race, although it’s also true that we do not have such a big fast-bowling pool seeing which we would say that if someone’s name is not there now, it would never come. His name can come, but the chances have become very less, unless there is an incredible IPL,” Chopra elaborated.
Shami has largely been absent from recent international squads, with his opportunities limited to only a few domestic appearances, including one match for Bengal and another in the Duleep Trophy.
Echoing this sentiment, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar also emphasized the crucial need for Shami to get more game time before he can be seriously considered for national selection once again. “I don’t have an update. I think he has not played a lot of cricket in the last 2-3 years. I think he’s played one match for Bengal and one for the Duleep Trophy. So as a performer, we know what he can do, but he will need to play some cricket,” Agarkar stated.
Ultimately, Shami’s path back to the Indian team hinges on delivering exceptional and consistent performances that will undeniably capture the selectors’ attention, whether in upcoming domestic competitions or the highly anticipated IPL 2026.