India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has not played an international match since the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand last year. Although he impressed during that tournament, reports suggest that his international career could now be coming to an end.
Shami finished as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy. After the tournament, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee raised concerns about his fitness. The experienced pacer returned to domestic cricket and delivered strong performances for Bengal.
Selection Committee Looks Ahead to 2027 World Cup and Next WTC Cycle
He claimed 37 wickets in the Ranji Trophy last season. He also performed well in domestic white-ball competitions. Despite those efforts, Shami has not been picked in any of India’s recent squads.
The latest setback came when he was left out of the squad for the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka.
According to a Sportstar report, the selectors have already identified a group of 15 young fast bowlers who are expected to lead India’s pace attack in the coming years. Shami is reportedly not part of those long-term plans.
The report added that the selectors have started preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The team management is focusing on building a younger bowling unit for the future.
Several young fast bowlers have impressed in recent months. Ashok Sharma, Gurnoor Brar, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav have delivered strong performances. Rasikh Salam Dar and Kartik Tyagi have also caught attention with their displays in IPL 2026 and are waiting for opportunities at the international level.
Among the experienced bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj remain key members of the Indian pace attack. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana have also become regulars in the squad.
Veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has also pushed for a comeback after an impressive IPL 2026 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, the current selection committee appears determined to continue investing in young fast bowlers for the future.
