Shami’s test will stand in balance, the selections are not satisfied with Pacer

India cricket team selectors aren’t keen on the inclusion of Mohammed Shami in the squad for England Tests. The pacer has been rather out of form in the last three months, ever since he made his comeback at the international level. With his poor performances in IPL 2025, coupled by his injury-prone nature, the selectors aren’t considering him as an automatic pick for the England series.

Shami’s Test future hangs in balance

As per Times of India, a BCCI source claimed that Shami wasn’t an automatic pick for the five-match series. The veteran pacer last played a Test in 2023 in the final of the World Test Championship. The source pointed out that Shami was not at all in rhythm, adding that he was struggling to finish his run-up.

“As of now, Shami isn’t an automatic pick. It’s been months since he has come back to international cricket but he has barely been in rhythm. While IPL performances are usually not considered while picking India teams, Shami is struggling to finish his run-up and the ball is not carrying to the keeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury. He invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery,” the source said.

Further, the source said that the initial plan was to ensure that the team could play Bumrah or Shami in every Test. However, Bumrah is likely to play only two or three Tests. The selectors are reportedly trying to understand what issue Shami is facing.

The pacer’s woeful form

Shami has conceded 337 runs from 180 deliveries and has an economy rate of 11.23 in IPL 2025. The pacer hasn’t been able to bowl consistently in terms of lengths and pace. Earlier in March, reports stated that the selectors would keep a close eye on Shami before taking a call on the England tour and that they weren’t keen on planning the tour around him.