Despite impressive displays in the Ranji Trophy, Mohammed Shami has been left out of India’s Test squad once again. Recent reports suggest that the selectors are favoring other pace options for the upcoming red-ball assignments, making Shami’s inclusion increasingly uncertain. Shami took 15 wickets in just two Ranji games, performances that would normally make a compelling case for selection ahead of India’s two-match Test series against South Africa at home.

Fitness concerns continue to cloud Shami’s prospects

Shami has not represented India since the Champions Trophy final, missing the Test series against England and the West Indies, as well as the recently concluded ODI series against Australia.

Earlier, former India pacer Ajit Agarkar cited fitness concerns as the reason for Shami’s non-inclusion. “If Mohammed Shami was fit, he’d be in the team,” Agarkar said. “He has been an incredible performer for India. Even before England, we said if he was fit, he would have been in the plane. Unfortunately, he wasn’t, and our domestic season has just started. We will see if he is fit enough and where it goes.”

Shami, however, has sharply refuted Agarkar’s comments, challenging the narrative that has kept him out of the national squad despite strong domestic performances.

The first Test in Kolkata will set the tone for the series, followed by the second match in Guwahati. Cricket fans across the country are eagerly anticipating the return of India’s red-ball action, ready to witness a mix of tactical battles, individual brilliance, and strategic play on the field.

India Test Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.