BCCI Likely to Drop Shami from England Tests Over Fitness Concerns

With just days left before India announces its Test squad for the five-match series in England, it looks increasingly likely that senior pacer Mohammed Shami will miss out. According to a report by The Indian Express, the 34-year-old has not fully recovered from the ankle surgery he underwent earlier this year and is not expected to be in the selectors’ plans for the demanding tour.

Though Shami has returned to action in the IPL, turning out for Sunrisers Hyderabad and bowling four-over spells, the BCCI’s medical team has reportedly told the board that his current fitness level isn’t enough to confidently say he can handle the long spells required in Test cricket.

“Shami is bowling four overs in the IPL, but there’s still uncertainty over whether he can manage 10 or more overs in a day,” a BCCI source told the paper. “Test matches in England require sustained spells from fast bowlers, and we can’t afford to take that risk.”

There were internal discussions about potentially using Shami in selected matches, but the team management is already having to carefully manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. Bumrah has reportedly informed the management that he isn't ready to play all five Tests, which was also a key reason he was not considered for the Test captaincy.

Instead, the selectors are expected to prioritise fully fit fast bowlers who can handle the demands of a long tour.

Since the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in 2023, Shami hasn’t played a red-ball match. Since then, his lengthy rehabilitation and limited match fitness have seen him fall out of favour.

His likely absence opens the door for fresh faces. Arshdeep Singh, who impressed during a county stint with Kent last year, is being seen as a strong contender. Haryana’s Anshul Kamboj, who’s been picked for the India A tour of England, is also in the mix.

In addition to changes in the bowling attack, the squad announcement could also bring a new captain. Shubman Gill is emerging as the leading candidate to take over the red-ball leadership and is believed to have had recent conversations with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.