Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Ex-Coach Suggests Shami's India Test Career May Be Over Amidst Snub
A former coach of the Indian cricket team believes that a very good bowler named Mohammed Shami might not play Test matches for India anymore.
Shami has been bowling really well in local games after being hurt for a while.
He says he is fit and ready to play for India.
However, the coach thinks the team wants to give chances to younger players instead.
Shami hasn't played for India in a Test match since 2023 and was also left out of recent series.
He played in the Champions Trophy in 2025, which India won.
Even though he's taking lots of wickets in local games now, he's not being picked for the Indian team, leading to these thoughts about his future in Test cricket.
Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes Mohammed Shami's Test career with India may be concluded.
Shami has been performing well in the domestic Ranji Trophy, taking 15 wickets in three matches since returning in early 2025.
Despite his strong domestic form and claims of fitness, Shami has been overlooked for recent Test squads, including the series against South Africa.
Shami's last international appearance for India was in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, and his last Test was the World Test Championship final in 2023.
Nayar suggests the exclusion indicates the team management's intent to focus on younger talent for the future of Test cricket.
- Who
- Mohammed Shami (cricketer) and former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar
- What
- Discussion regarding Mohammed Shami's continued exclusion from the Indian Test squad, with a former coach suggesting his Test career might be over.
- When
- Following the announcement of the Indian Test squad for the series against South Africa (which started November 14th, 2025), referencing his absence from previous squads in 2025.
- Where
- India (selection discussions) and South Africa (upcoming Test series)
- Why
- Nayar suggests the team management is looking to introduce younger talent into the Test side. Shami himself disputes any fitness concerns.
Mohammed Shami's Perspective
Former Coach's Analysis
Fitness and Availability
Mohammed Shami's Perspective
Mohammed Shami asserts his fitness and ability to play, stating that if he can play domestic matches (Ranji Trophy), he is capable of playing for India in other formats.
Former Coach's Analysis
Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar suggests that despite Shami's performances in the domestic circuit, the team management is looking beyond him for Test cricket, indicating a potential end to his Test career.
Reasons for Exclusion
Mohammed Shami's Perspective
Shami believes his exclusion is not due to fitness and is waiting for the selectors' decision.
Former Coach's Analysis
Nayar implies that the exclusion is a deliberate indicator that the team management is prioritizing younger talent and looking towards the future, irrespective of Shami's current form.
- Player
- Mohammed Shami
- Recent Domestic Performance
- 15 wickets in 3 Ranji Trophy matches, including a five-wicket haul, showcasing fitness and rhythm.
- Last India Appearance
- Champions Trophy 2025 final
- Last Test Appearance
- World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023
- Exclusions
- Omitted from Test squads for series against South Africa, England, West Indies, and ODI series against Australia.
- New Entrant
- Bengal teammate Akash Deep included in the squad for the South Africa Test series.
Sources
'It's Clear Indicator That...': Abhishek Nayar On Mohammed Shami's Exclusion From India's Test Squad
BCCI insider exposes Shami’s claims, says selectors were ‘desperate’ but pacer wasn’t ready: Report
