Mohammed Shami has been one of the best red-ball bowlers in Indian cricket history. In fact, why just red ball? He was India’s best bowler in the home World Cup in 2023. But from the looks of it, he isn’t traveling to Australia. Chances are that he will yet again go back to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and unless something dramatic transpires in Brisbane, he might not be called upon to join the team in Australia. Only a reversal at the Gabba could change things, but even that is no longer certain. With the World Test Championship (WTC) final now not really a realistic possibility, what does the future hold for Shami? He isn’t getting younger, and it is time to ask if India will be forced to look beyond him in the near future.
If Shami doesn’t make it to Australia, he will have two major assignments to look ahead to for a comeback. The first is the Champions Trophy and the second is the tour of England in June-July 2025. And that’s where the question arises – will India want to invest in Shami, or is it time to groom Akash Deep, Harshit Rana and Mukesh Kumar? Will the team management want to take a risk with someone who isn’t getting any younger, or will they gradually move to the next in line for the coming WTC cycle? For one of the best red-ball bowlers, this is harsh. But then, when has international sport been anything to the contrary?
Just for the record, England too will be a five-Test series, and India will surely want someone who has less chance of breaking down. Jasprit Bumrah isn’t young anymore and his workload too has to be managed. Is it an option to rotate Bumrah and Shami for a period? Can the two help prolong each other’s careers?
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While such a thing can’t be ruled out, for the moment, Shami needs to dispel all doubts over his red-ball fitness. The team management isn’t convinced he can last the rigours of a Test match and he clearly has to play some long-form cricket to cast aside these apprehensions. India will miss him in Australia. But then, it is always better to have a fit player than someone who runs the risk of breaking down in the middle of a high-intensity Test match. While Shami has played multiple Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches in two weeks, it isn’t Test cricket, and maybe that’s why the caution isn’t misplaced.
I, for one, was looking forward to seeing Shami back. At his best, he is just fantastic to watch, and on a green Gabba wicket, he could have been a handful and an able partner for Bumrah. But clearly, that is not to be. Injuries are often cruel and Shami’s case is no different. Despite his best efforts, it has taken him over 12 months to be match-ready, and it could take a little time for him to be Test-ready. For the moment, the best of Mohammed Shami is only available with a rewind button, as his resolve further is tested on this comeback trail. We wish him the very best, and remind him that in sport, it is ‘never say never’.
Also Read: Watching Shami at the Chinnaswamy – A mixture of disappointment and flicker of hope