BCCI Official Lays It Bare on Mohammed Shami: What’s the Real Story Behind His India Return
The buzz around Mohammed Shami has grown louder in recent days. After yet another snub from the national team, a BCCI insider has made candid remarks about his prospects. Meanwhile, chief selector Ajit Agarkar has remained guarded in public. And now, Shami eyes a comeback via the Ranji Trophy route. Let’s break down where things stand.
What Happened: BCCI’s Hardline on Shami’s Return
Declining Form and Recent Performances
According to a BCCI official, the board is increasingly hesitant to pick Mohammed Shami again. The reasons cited include his age and recent underwhelming performances. In the latest Duleep Trophy, representing East Zone, he posted match figures of 1/136 over 34 overs — a showing that raised doubts about his pace and consistency.
That, along with the board’s concern that he’s “not getting any younger,” seems to be weighing heavily against his recall.
BCCI Official: “Tougher Now” for Shami
The official’s language was blunt:
“At this moment, it’s getting increasingly tougher for Shami to return to the Indian team. Pace-wise, too, he didn’t seem to be at his best in Duleep.”
That sentiment signals a shift: no more sentiment-driven picks. The BCCI seems to demand stronger recent proof of readiness, especially in domestic circuits.
Why Ajit Agarkar Stayed Silent — Or Noncommittal
“I Have No Update” on Shami
When asked about Shami during recent squad announcements, Ajit Agarkar’s response was notably noncommittal. He said he had no major update and pointed out that Shami hadn’t played much cricket recently — just one match for Bengal and one in the Duleep Trophy over the last two to three years.
In other words, Agarkar signaled that Shami’s exclusion is a matter of activity and evidence, not personal preference or politics.
Why Agarkar’s Stance Matters
As chief selector, Ajit Agarkar’s words carry weight. Even when a BCCI official speaks candidly, Agarkar’s public silence or ambiguous statements often become the de facto official posture. His restraint suggests that the BCCI wants to avoid controversy, letting performance and metrics drive decisions rather than media pressure.
Shami’s Plan: The Ranji Route
Declaring Availability for Bengal’s Ranji Campaign
Undeterred by his exclusion, Mohammed Shami has signaled his intent to re-enter the spotlight via domestic cricket. He has made himself available for Bengal’s 2025–26 Ranji Trophy campaign, starting October 15 against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens.
Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla confirmed that he discussed participation with Shami and was optimistic about his availability. The final call, though, rests with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
Why Ranji Matters in This Context
The Ranji Trophy is India’s premier first-class tournament, and strong performances there are often the clearest route back into Test and even ODI consideration. For Shami, consistent red-ball form would help counter the narrative that he’s past his prime.
Given his recent Duleep struggle, this is a second chance — one he likely must seize decisively.
Broader Context: Where Shami Stands Now
Recent Career Highlights and Milestones
Mohammed Shami’s international record includes 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is. In the 2025 Champions Trophy, he took nine wickets across five matches, emerging as one of India’s top wicket-takers.
He also underwent heel surgery in 2024 and declared himself pain-free after rehabilitation. However, during the following Australia series, he was ruled out of the last two Tests due to knee swelling and fitness concerns.
These health issues have complicated his push for a comeback and have made selectors wary of relying on him for extended series.
The Shift in India’s Bowling Strategy
India seems to be moving toward younger, fresher pace resources. In recent selections, bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh have featured more consistently.
That transition, combined with performance demands, has raised the bar for any veteran making a late return.
What Shami Must Do to Force a Recall
1. Dominate in Ranji and Duleep
For Mohammed Shami, reviving his claim hinges on standout numbers in red-ball domestic cricket. Match-winning spells, consistently high wicket hauls, and demonstrable control — these are his first battlegrounds.
2. Stay Injury-Free and Fit
Fitness is nonnegotiable. If selectors still doubt his physical resilience, even stellar domestic performance may not suffice.
3. Monitor Metrics, Not Just Intangibles
Timing, average, strike rate, and speed — everything will be scrutinized. Given that the BCCI insider and selectors already highlight pace decline as a concern, Shami must prove that hasn’t slipped.
Outlook: Is a Return Possible?
It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. To even be in the conversation, Mohammed Shami must make every appearance count in Ranji Trophy matches, demonstrate match-winning abilities, and stay fully fit and consistent.
If he achieves that, selectors might have to revisit their stance. But as of now, the message is clear: no more favors. It’s form, fitness, and performance that will speak for Mohammed Shami’s future in Indian cricket.
Also Read: MrBeast Fears AI Videos Will End Human Imagination!
