Shami Snubbed Again: Is This the End of an Era?

Mohammed Shami’s absence from India’s Test squad for the upcoming home series against South Africa has reignited a heated debate across cricketing circles. While Rishabh Pant’s emotional return dominates headlines, Shami’s continued exclusion—despite compelling domestic form—raises a tough but necessary question: is this the end of the road for one of India’s most lethal pace bowlers?

Table of Contents

• The Shocking Omission of Mohammed Shami
• What His Domestic Numbers Say
• India’s Fast Bowling Transition
• Fan and Expert Reactions
• What’s Next for Shami?

Shami Snubbed Again Despite Fitness & Form

For the second consecutive Test series, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has been left out of the Indian squad. The BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has opted for a youthful pace attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Dharmendra Singh. Shami, 34, has publicly declared himself fit and ready, yet his name is nowhere to be found on the official list .

This omission is especially puzzling given that India is preparing for a home series on pitches that often assist seam movement early on—conditions Shami has historically exploited with surgical precision. His ability to generate reverse swing and deliver deadly in-swingers to right-handers made him a nightmare for batters across formats.

Shami’s Domestic Comeback: Quiet But Effective

After missing most of 2024 due to a persistent ankle injury, Shami returned to competitive cricket during the 2025 Ranji Trophy. Representing Bengal, he picked up 14 wickets in just three matches at an average of 18.21 and a strike rate of 32.5. These aren’t just respectable numbers—they’re elite-level figures that would normally guarantee a spot in the national conversation .

Yet, the selectors seem unmoved. This has left fans and former players questioning whether age is now being prioritized over current performance and match-winning pedigree.

A New Era in India’s Pace Attack?

The signals from the BCCI are hard to ignore. With Akash Deep and Dharmendra Singh—two relatively uncapped but promising quicks—being consistently backed, it’s clear the board is eyeing the future beyond the World Test Championship cycle.

Jasprit Bumrah remains the undisputed leader, with Siraj as his dependable deputy. The third seamer’s slot, however, appears to be a battleground for fresh legs rather than experienced hands. This strategic shift might be pragmatic for long-term planning, but it comes at the cost of sidelining a proven match-winner in Shami.

Fan Outcry and Expert Opinions

Social media erupted within minutes of the squad announcement. Hashtags like #BringBackShami and #ShamiDeservesBetter trended nationally. Cricket analysts are split: some argue that Shami’s body may not withstand the rigors of back-to-back Tests, while others insist that his skill set is irreplaceable.

Former selector Sarandeep Singh remarked, “You don’t just discard 228 Test wickets like that. Shami’s control and seam position are still top-tier. If he’s fit, he should be in the mix.”

What’s Next for Mohammed Shami?

While the door isn’t officially closed, every missed selection narrows the window for Shami’s Test comeback. He’s expected to continue playing domestic cricket and could feature in the IPL 2026 season, possibly as a mentor-cum-player for his franchise.

For now, Indian cricket fans are left wondering if they’ve seen the last of Shami in the whites. His legacy is secure—228 Test wickets at 27.12 speak for themselves—but the abrupt silence from selectors suggests a quiet, unceremonious exit may be on the cards.

One thing’s for sure: if Shami never dons the Test cap again, it won’t be for lack of trying.

Sources

Times of India

ESPNCricinfo

Cricbuzz