Mohammed Shami Battles Back from Injury, Eyes India Comeback at 35

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami is quietly training behind the scenes, aiming to make a comeback to the national team at the age of 35. Sources close to the pacer express frustration over perceived preferential treatment of other players, including Jasprit Bumrah.

During the announcement of India’s Test squad for the home series against West Indies on September 25, national selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Shami was left out. Agarkar cited Shami’s limited domestic cricket involvement as the reason for his omission.

Once a key partner to Jasprit Bumrah in India’s pace attack, Shami has gradually slipped off the radar across formats. His last Test appearance came during the 2023 World Test Championship final, and his final white-ball outing was the Champions Trophy 2025.

Since then, India have played five Tests against England, completed a strong Asia Cup 2025, and announced the squad for the first home Test series. The selectors opted for Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna as the specialist pacers for the West Indies series.

Domestic Cricket Key to Recall

Agarkar emphasised that Shami needs to play more domestic matches to be considered for the national side. A source close to the pacer criticised the double standards, pointing out that Bumrah did not have to meet the same criteria.
"Why does only Shami have to prove his match fitness? For a player of his experience, starting from zero again is just sad," the source said.

Shami is reportedly 100% fit and focused on a potential ODI comeback in Australia later this year.

Relentless Training Regime

Behind the scenes, Shami has been working tirelessly. With 323 wickets in 134 matches across formats, he is India’s second-most successful pacer after Bumrah. His training focuses on increasing bowling loads while maintaining fitness.

Currently, Shami trains five to six hours daily, bowling 12 overs per session. He has returned to a strict fitness and diet regimen, even giving up favourite foods like biryani, to ensure his ankle and knee remain pain-free.

"There is still cricket left in him. He will make a comeback and be the best version of himself," said a source close to the pacer.

Looking Ahead

The Shami camp had hoped for a recall during the home Tests, but selectors opted for a cautious approach after India’s WTC 2025 defeat to New Zealand. The most realistic opportunity now appears to be the ODI series in Australia.

At 35, Shami remains determined. Every extra over in the nets and every sacrifice he makes off the field reflects his hunger to return and contribute to the Indian team once more.