Mohammed Shami dropped from India squad is one of the biggest talking points as the veteran fast bowler is not in the squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The 35-year-old has come back to form and fitness with a great domestic season, but is not yet in the selectors’ plans.
The absence has revived speculation about India’s future plans as the team gets ready for the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Mohammed Shami Dropped From India Squad as Selectors Favour Youth
The selectors already appear to have begun to trust a new generation of fast bowlers that are expected to spearhead India’s pace attack in the years to come, reports suggest. The long-term plan is thought to be to groom young pacers across all formats, thereby leaving less scope for veteran campaigners like Mohammed Shami.
Mohammed Shami dropped from India squad is being seen as a selection decision rather than a fitness decision. This is not a case of injury concerns like in the past, and the absence has raised new doubts regarding his future in India’s plans.
This move has caught out many as Mohammed Shami has been performing well in domestic cricket recently. Representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, the right-arm pacer has bagged 37 wickets, indicating his capacity to bowl long spells and remain highly effective.
Mohammed Shami has also been one of India’s best performers in recent years. He was the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup and played a key role in India’s successful 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.
The veteran has stated that he is not ready to hang up his boots from international cricket. Mohammed Shami has been candid about his desire to play for India in the 2027 ODI World Cup, but his recent omission puts a big hurdle in the way.
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has questioned the selectors’ decision, stating that Mohammed Shami deserved more credit for his contribution to Indian cricket.
There has been no official announcement regarding Mohammed Shami’s retirement, but he is expected to continue playing domestic cricket and remain active in the IPL, where he is set to represent the Lucknow Super Giants. But the return of Mohammed Shami to the Indian team looks far from guaranteed unless the selectors change their long-term plans.