Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that pacer Mohammed Shami is not at his best in the IPL 2025, which raises concerns over him ahead of the test series against England.

Shami did not play in IPL 2024 due to an Achilles tendon surgery needed to solve his heel injury. However, the ongoing Shami struggle to be at his best, picking just six wickets from nine wickets at an average of 56.17 and an economy of 11.23.

His form extended to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 38-run loss to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, where he conceded 48 runs in three overs.

Speaking on his form, Aakash Chopra said, “This tournament is such that it doesn’t matter who you are. If you’re not delivering the goods, you will be taken to the cleaners, and right now, what I see with Shami is, pace down is one bit, second is not enough balls getting bowled in the same area.”

“Mohammed Shami was always that. That is his only strength (and), it is phenomenal. Going back to that game against Pakistan (in the Champions Trophy), where he bowled five wides in the first over – okay that happened also 45 days ago or, maybe more, two months ago (on February 23).”

“So if he’s still not able to get the ball right… because he’s not someone who will get flicked for a six; you can drive him for a four, cut him maybe – he doesn’t give you that much width by the way – but very seldom will he bowl those that you’re flicking for a six and you’re happy facing the (next) ball. So yeah, he’s not looking good (right now),” added Aakash Chopra.

India will be touring England to play five match test series after the completion of IPL 2025. India haven’t won a test series in England after 2007, and Shami’s poor run in ongoing IPL season has raises concerns over how would fare in the upcoming series.

Mohammed Shami has average over 40.5 from the 14 tests he’s played in England so far. “That’s a big question there, no, because it’s not like he came back from an injury last week or last month. He started playing domestic cricket last year and this is May already.”

“He’s played an ICC event (Champions Trophy) in between. He’s played a lot of games. If he’s still off the boil, and that has something to do with the injury – and we’re all assuming that it is – then there is a serious question mark with regards to what happens next.”

England and India will play their first test match played between June 20-24 at Headingley Carnegie.