Mohammed Shami has long been a vital part of India’s fast-bowling unit. Renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain pinpoint accuracy, he has often been a match-winner in the longest format. Therefore, when news broke that Mohammed Shami was excluded from the Test series in 2025, it left fans and experts alike stunned. According to news reports, someone advised Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar not to pick him for the series. In this article, we break down the reasons behind this surprising call.
After a strong performance in the 2023 World Cup, Shami faced an injury setback. He underwent ankle surgery in the UK. Unfortunately, while recovering, he experienced knee swelling during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This delayed his return. As a result, concerns grew over his match fitness and readiness for long-format cricket. Moreover, Shami’s IPL 2025 performance was disappointing. He played nine matches and took only six wickets.
Ajit Agarkar and his team had to think long-term. They didn’t want to risk Shami’s health by bringing him back too soon. With the ICC Champions Trophy coming up, they decided to manage his workload carefully. Hence, he was rested from the Test series.
Interestingly, the selectors still picked Shami for the T20I and ODI squads. This shows that the selectors still trust him. Shorter formats are less demanding physically. They offer a smoother path back to full fitness. This strategy gives him time to build match rhythm.
India’s squad for the England Tests included only one main pacer and several spinners. This suggests a spin-friendly game plan. Shami’s absence might also have been part of this tactical setup. The management likely wanted to avoid putting extra pressure on a recovering player.
Cricket experts supported the decision. They agreed that rushing Shami into Tests could backfire. Recovery takes time. Match fitness cannot be regained overnight. Giving him a break now could extend his career in the long run.
Shami is known for his determination. He has stated his goal to return stronger. His place in the white-ball squads shows that he’s still in the picture. If he performs well, a Test comeback is only a matter of time. Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the England Tests was not a snub. It was a careful, strategic decision. Fitness, form, and future tournaments all played a role. With time and proper recovery, fans can expect to see Shami back in Test whites. His journey is far from over. It might just be entering a new phase.
