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Mohammed Shami (Source: AFP)
The ace pacer Mohammed Shami's hopes of returning to the India team have suffered another blow, as the BCCI has again overlooked him for the upcoming Australia tour, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is starting from October 19. Despite his desire to make a comeback, especially with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup, the board is not interested in recalling the experienced bowler.
It is important to note that Shami was also excluded from the Asia Cup squad earlier this year.
India return looks unlikely for Shami amidst possible Ranji return
According to a recent report in The Telegraph, the BCCI is still hesitant to bring Shami back in the team; the reason could be because of his age, recent performances, and fitness. A senior BCCI official, speaking on condition, was candid about his current standing in the team’s plans.
"At this moment, it's getting increasingly tougher for Shami to return to the Indian team. In the Duleep game too, he wasn't too impressive, barring one odd spell. Besides, he isn't getting any younger, while pace-wise, too, he didn't seem to be at his best in Duleep. But to continue in the IPL, he has to play a decent amount of domestic games," a BCCI official said on Telegraph India.
It would not be wrong to say that Shami was once considered as the star bowler of the team. He had a phenomenal run during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
However, since then, injuries and inconsistency have affected his career. His recent appearance in the Duleep Trophy also did little to impress the selectors, who now appear to be looking toward younger options in the pace department.
According to the same recent report of Telegraph, Shami has made himself available for Bengal’s Ranji Trophy campaign, which starts on October 15 against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens. If given a chance in the Ranji Trophy, all focus will be on him, and this could be his last chance to prove himself for an India comeback.
