If Jasprit Bumrah is the best Indian pacer of this generation, then Mohammad Shami is undoubtedly the second-best fast bowler India has produced in the last decade. After his performance in the 2023 World Cup, there is absolutely no doubt about it. The Bumrah-Shami duo could have been lethal in English conditions. However, Shami was not selected for the all-important England tour. The reason, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar, is that Shami is not fully fit at the moment.
Having toured England three times, more than any other current Indian pacer, Shami brings a wealth of experience in English conditions. Among the pace bowling options selected, only Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur have prior Test experience in England. Without Shami, the bowling group is light on experience.
However, his fitness remains a concern. Bharat Arun, who has worked closely with Shami, believes that “a fit Shami” is a big asset to the Indian team.
“What really counts is how fit Shami is.” – Bharat Arun
“Well, Shami is somebody I would love to have in the side,” said Bharat Arun in an exclusive interview with RevSportz. “But what really counts is how fit Shami is. A fit Shami is a big asset. But it’s not easy. Given the state he is in now, and the fitness levels he currently has, the question is whether he would be able to justify his potential.”
Shami last played a Test match in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, the eventual champions, in June 2023. He made a return to the Indian team earlier this year after undergoing ankle surgery in February 2024.
The veteran pacer was part of the Indian squad during the England tours of 2014, 2018 and 2021. His best performance came in 2018, where he picked up 16 wickets.
In total, Shami has played 14 Test matches in England, claiming 42 wickets at an average of 40.50.
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