Mohammed Shami, one of India’s most celebrated fast bowlers, has been a cornerstone of the national team’s pace attack for over a decade. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, deliver pinpoint yorkers, and thrive in high-pressure situations, Shami has been a match-winner across formats. However, his underwhelming performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has sparked serious concerns about his form, fitness, and future in international cricket, particularly in Test matches. As India gears up for a crucial five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors are reportedly questioning whether Shami remains an automatic pick. Is this the end of the road for the 35-year-old pacer, or can he stage a comeback? This article delves into Shami’s recent struggles, the selectors’ dilemma, and the road ahead.

Shami’s IPL 2025 Struggles: A Cause for Concern

The IPL is often seen as a platform where players showcase their skills and stake a claim for national team selection. While IPL performances are not typically the primary criterion for Test team selections, Shami’s dismal outing in the 2025 season has raised red flags. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Shami managed only six wickets in nine matches, conceding 337 runs at an alarming economy rate of 11.23. His bowling average of 56.17 is among the worst of his IPL career, a stark contrast to his 2023 season with Gujarat Titans, where he clinched the Purple Cap with 28 wickets.

One of the most glaring moments of Shami’s IPL 2025 campaign came against Punjab Kings (PBKS), where he conceded 75 runs in four overs, narrowly missing the unwanted record for the most expensive spell in IPL history. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra, commenting on ESPNcricinfo, noted, “He’s not looking good right now,” highlighting Shami’s inability to maintain consistent lines and lengths, a hallmark of his bowling. Shami’s struggles were not limited to one match; he rarely completed his full quota of four overs, often returning to the dressing room after short spells, raising questions about his endurance and recovery.

Social media platforms, including X, have been abuzz with discussions about Shami’s form. Fans and analysts have pointed out a noticeable dip in his pace and seam movement, with one user stating, “The biggest worry for me is Shami has lost that little bit of nip.” Another post highlighted his statistical decline, noting that his strike rate of 30 and average of 56.2 in IPL 2025 are among his worst in seasons with a minimum of five games. These numbers paint a troubling picture for a bowler who has historically been a game-changer.

The Injury Factor: A Lingering Shadow

Shami’s struggles cannot be viewed in isolation from his injury history. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps, Shami has been plagued by injuries. An Achilles tendon injury sustained during the World Cup final required surgery in March 2024, sidelining him for the entire IPL 2024 season and India’s Test engagements. His return to competitive cricket came late in 2024 via the Ranji Trophy, followed by appearances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. While he showed glimpses of his old self, such as a seven-wicket haul for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, his international comeback has been inconsistent.

In the 2025 Champions Trophy, Shami was India’s joint-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets, including a standout 5/53 against Bangladesh. However, his performance was marred by moments of inaccuracy, such as bowling five wides in the first over against Pakistan. BCCI sources have expressed concerns about his physical condition, noting that Shami is “struggling to finish his run-up, and the ball is not carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to.” At 35, recovering from major surgery is no small feat, and experts like Danny Morrison have suggested that the injury may have taken a toll on Shami’s body, especially given his age.

Selectors’ Dilemma: Balancing Experience and Form

The upcoming Test series against England is critical for India, marking the start of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. With Rohit Sharma retiring from Test cricket and Jasprit Bumrah expected to play only two or three matches due to workload management, the selectors are under pressure to assemble a robust pace attack. Shami, with 42 wickets in 14 Test appearances in England, has been a frontline bowler on previous tours. However, his current form and fitness have led to doubts about his automatic inclusion.

According to a Times of India report, a BCCI source stated, “As of now, Shami isn’t an automatic pick. It’s been months since he has come back to international cricket, but he has barely been in rhythm.” The selectors are also grappling with Mohammed Siraj’s inconsistent performances, further complicating the pace bowling lineup. To address these concerns, the BCCI is considering left-arm pacers like Arshdeep Singh, Yash Dayal, and Khaleel Ahmed as potential backups.

The selectors’ hesitation is understandable. Shami’s last Test appearance was in June 2023, and his prolonged absence from red-ball cricket, coupled with his IPL struggles, raises questions about his readiness for the grueling demands of a five-match series in English conditions. Former players like Aakash Chopra have emphasized that Shami’s lack of rhythm is particularly concerning given that he has been playing competitive cricket for months. “If he’s still off the boil, there is a serious question mark,” Chopra remarked.

Fan Sentiment and Shami’s Legacy

Despite his struggles, Shami remains a beloved figure among fans. Posts on X reflect a mix of concern and hope, with some urging the BCCI to prioritize his long-term fitness over short-term gains. One user wrote, “Shami bhai needs proper rest and rehabilitation. We need him fit for the WTC cycle, not just IPL!” Others believe that his IPL performances should not dictate Test selection, citing his match-winning spells in Australia and the 2023 World Cup as evidence of his class.

Shami’s legacy as one of India’s finest pacers is undeniable. His ability to deliver under pressure, whether in the IPL, World Cup, or Test matches, has earned him accolades worldwide. His journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to becoming a global cricketing star is an inspiration, but the physical demands of fast bowling at 35 cannot be ignored.

The Road Ahead: Can Shami Bounce Back?

The question now is whether Shami can reclaim his place in the Indian Test team. The remaining IPL matches offer a chance to regain form, but with SRH’s playoff hopes dwindling, the pressure is on. A potential stint in county cricket before the England tour could help Shami adapt to red-ball conditions, as suggested by some fans. Alternatively, the BCCI may opt to rest him for the series, focusing on his rehabilitation to ensure he is fit for future assignments.

Shami’s determination to return to his best is evident. In an interview with Anandabazar Patrika, he said, “For a player, playing is everything. The ball is my life.” This passion, coupled with his proven track record, suggests that writing him off would be premature. However, the selectors must weigh his experience against the emergence of younger pacers like Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, who have shown promise.

In Summary

Mohammed Shami’s IPL 2025 struggles have cast a shadow over his Test cricket future, with selectors questioning his form and fitness. While his injury history and age are concerns, Shami’s resilience and past heroics offer hope for a comeback. The England series will be a defining moment, not just for Shami but for India’s pace bowling unit. As fans rally behind their star pacer, the cricketing world waits to see if Shami can rediscover the magic that made him unplayable. For now, the road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Shami’s fight is far from over.

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