Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has once again found himself out of the national squad, this time missing the upcoming tour of Australia, which kicks off on October 19. The 35-year-old, who last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, has been facing questions about his fitness, despite his active participation in the IPL and domestic cricket for Bengal.
Breaking his silence on the squad omission, Shami addressed the swirling rumors and speculation directly on his YouTube channel. He stated, “People want to know my opinion on not being selected for the Australia series. I simply want to say that selection isn’t in my hands; it’s the responsibility of the selection committee, coach, and captain. If they believe I should be there, they will choose me, or if they feel more time is necessary, that’s their call. I am ready and I’m actively practicing.”
Shami further reassured his fans that his fitness is absolutely top-notch. He elaborated, “My fitness is excellent. I will strive to perform even better because when you’re away from the field, staying motivated is crucial. I played in the Duleep Trophy and felt completely comfortable; my rhythm was good, and I bowled around 35 overs. There are genuinely no issues with my fitness.”
Despite Shami’s confident assertions, former Indian batter Aakash Chopra expressed doubts regarding the pacer’s potential return to the national team, highlighting his lack of recent international match practice.
Chopra commented, “I believe it won’t be easy for him. If his name isn’t on the list now, his chances of making it back into the Indian squad are quite slim. He’s playing domestic cricket and has every right to do so. He’s questioned why people are hounding him for wanting to play, and that’s perfectly understandable.”
While acknowledging Shami’s undeniable talent, Chopra pointed out that the seasoned pacer seems to have fallen behind in the competitive race for India’s fast-bowling positions.
“He could potentially make a comeback, but the likelihood has significantly decreased unless he delivers an extraordinary performance in the IPL,” Chopra concluded.
For the moment, Mohammed Shami’s international cricketing future hangs in the balance. His most viable route back into the Indian team appears to hinge on delivering exceptional performances in domestic tournaments and the upcoming IPL 2026, which could ultimately convince the selectors to reconsider him.