Mohammed Shami Not To Tour England; India Pick Replacements

India pacer Mohammed Shami is unlikely to be picked in the Test squad for the five-match series in England by the BCCI selectors. The selectors are likely to name the new India captain and the squad on May 24, Saturday.

Mohammed Shami, one of the Indian National Cricket Team's most seasoned fast bowlers, may not travel to England with the team, according to a report from the Indian Express. Following recent ankle surgery, Mohammed Shami, who is renowned for his game-winning bursts, is not healthy enough.

The situation has gotten worse due to Mohammed Shami's dismal performance in the IPL 2025. The senior Indian pacer, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad, has conceded runs at an alarming economy rate of 11.23 and taken just six wickets in nine games. His performance in the 2025 Indian Premier League raised serious questions about his form.

The BCCI medical team confirms Mohammed Shami might not bowl long spells

As per an Indian Express report, the 34-year-old pacer will not be able to bowl for prolonged periods of time, the BCCI medical staff has informed the Indian board. He also has little possibility of playing in all five Test matches.

Shami's participation in a few games with the Indian team was discussed. Given that Jasprit Bumrah had earlier told the board that his body could not withstand the pressure of more than three Test matches, the selection committee was reportedly having difficulty deciding whether to send out a similarly questionable bowler who might only play a few games. Additionally, it disrupts the planning of the Indian side.

It is well known that selectors prefer healthy bowlers who can bowl longer stretches when necessary when playing for the Indian team.

“Shami is bowling four overs in IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but the board and selectors don’t know whether he can bowl more than 10 overs in a day. Test matches in England may demand longer spells from the pacer, and we can’t take chances,” a source in the board informed the Indian Express.

Shami last played a Test for India in 2023 in the WTC 2023 final against Australia.

Anshul Kamboj and Arshdeep Singh are likely to be on the flight for the England tour

Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj are quite likely to be selected in India's Test squad for the forthcoming five-match Test series in England now that Mohammed Shami is off the radar of Indian selectors.

Known for his precision, mobility, and ball-swinging skills, Arshdeep Singh is expected to make his Test debut during the forthcoming England tour. When the selectors get together to pick the squad, Arshdeep's experience playing for Kent in the County Championship, where he learned a lot about English conditions, will be advantageous.

Kamboj had an excellent domestic season

Anshul Kamboj, a pacer for Haryana, has consistently performed well in domestic cricket. In just 22 first-class games, the right-arm bowler has claimed 74 wickets, demonstrating his promise and reliability with the ball.

Anshul Kamboj is already on the selectors' radar for promotion during the tour after being included in the India A team for the England tour. Kamboj's superb accuracy and ability to move the ball off the pitch could cause problems for the English hitters.

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