Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Mohammed Shami Ignored for South Africa Tests Amid Fitness Concerns
A fast cricket bowler named Mohammed Shami is not being picked for the Indian team to play against South Africa.
Even though Shami has been playing well in a domestic league, taking many wickets, the people who choose the team are worried he might not be fit enough for the tough Test matches.
They say he hasn't been fully fit for a while and might not be able to bowl for long periods.
Shami thinks he is fit because he is playing in the other league games.
This disagreement might mean Shami won't play Test cricket for India anymore, as the team already has other fast bowlers ready.
Mohammed Shami has been ignored for India's upcoming two-Test series against South Africa.
Despite proving fitness in the Ranji Trophy with 15 wickets, selectors remain unconvinced about his readiness for Test cricket.
Selectors cite concerns about Shami's ability to bowl long spells and his general match fitness over the last six to eight months.
Shami has publicly questioned the selectors' decisions, stating he is fit enough to play if he is performing in domestic cricket.
The decision effectively diminishes Shami's chances of playing Test cricket for India, given the settled pace attack and the limited Test schedule ahead.
- Who
- Fast bowler Mohammed Shami and the national selectors
- What
- Mohammed Shami was once again overlooked for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, raising questions about his future in international cricket due to ongoing fitness concerns.
- When
- The decision was made in relation to the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa.
- Where
- The context involves national selection for international cricket and Shami's participation in the domestic Ranji Trophy.
- Why
- Selectors are reportedly not fully convinced about Shami's fitness and his ability to withstand the demands of Test cricket, despite his performance in the Ranji Trophy. Concerns about his general match fitness over the past six to eight months have been cited.
Mohammed Shami's Perspective
Selectors' Perspective
Fitness and Performance
Mohammed Shami's Perspective
Shami has bowled 93 overs in three Ranji Trophy matches, taken 15 wickets at an average of 15.53, and guided Bengal to wins, indicating he is fit enough for Test cricket.
Selectors' Perspective
Selectors are not fully convinced about Shami's fitness and whether his body can withstand the demands of Test cricket, citing concerns about his ability to bowl long spells and his general match fitness over the last six to eight months.
Selection Rationale
Mohammed Shami's Perspective
Shami questions why he wasn't considered for the ODI series against Australia if he is fit enough for the Ranji Trophy, suggesting the selectors' decisions are arbitrary.
Selectors' Perspective
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated Shami was not picked for the England series because he was not fit and has not been up to scratch in terms of general match fitness for the past six to eight months.
- Player
- Mohammed Shami
- Current Form
- 15 wickets in 93 overs (avg. 15.53) in 3 Ranji Trophy matches
- International Wickets
- 462 across formats
- Last Test Played
- 2023
- Upcoming Series Ignored For
- Two-Test series against South Africa
- Selectors' Stated Reason
- Fitness concerns and lack of match fitness over the past 6-8 months