Mohammed Shami's Bid for India Comeback Amid IPL Struggles

Shami's Performance and Selection Hopes

Mohammed Shami, the fast bowler currently out of favor with the Indian cricket team, aimed for a return following an impressive Ranji Trophy season. He secured 37 wickets across 7 matches, boasting an average of 16.72, ranking as the sixth highest wicket-taker of the tournament. However, his performance in the IPL 2026, where he took only 10 wickets in 12 matches for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), may not have bolstered his chances. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is set to convene soon to finalize the squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled for June 6, 2026, in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. Former Indian pacer Praveen Kumar and World Cup champion Madan Lal have emphasized the need for transparency regarding Shami's fitness and readiness for the longer format of the game.

Insights from Praveen Kumar

Praveen Kumar expressed the importance of discussing Shami's condition with him directly. He stated, "It should be discussed with the player. Should be discussed with Shami and ask him how his body is responding. Transparency should be there," during an interview with Sports Now.

Madan Lal's Perspective on Selection Criteria

Madan Lal also weighed in, noting that Shami's selection hinges not only on his fitness but also on his effectiveness in Test matches, especially after being sidelined for over a year. He remarked, "He is another good bowler. His selection depends on a few factors. Like how fit is he and whether he can be effective or not. He has bowled a lot of overs in the Ranji Trophy, and there is nothing like that." When asked about advice for Agarkar, he stated, "I can't suggest anything to Ajit Agarkar. It is his job. He is getting paid for it. So he has to think about it."

Agarkar had previously mentioned that Shami's fitness would determine his inclusion, stating, “If he was fit, he would’ve been on the plane. Unfortunately, he wasn’t. Our domestic season has only just begun, so we’ll see how things develop.” Shami's last appearance for India in Test cricket was during the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023, while his last ODI was in the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, which India won. His most recent T20I match was against England in Mumbai in 2025. Despite his strong performance in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, where he took 9 wickets for 114 runs, his team, the Lucknow Super Giants, is currently struggling at the bottom of the IPL standings and has been eliminated from playoff contention.