Former India opener Aakash Chopra has reignited the debate around Mohammed Shami’s Test future, suggesting that the veteran pacer still has a place in the squad for the upcoming India vs West Indies Test series at home.
Shami, who last featured for India in the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023, has since fallen out of favour with the selectors. While he returned to India’s white-ball setup earlier this year, he was notably absent from the IND vs ENG Test series.
Aakash Chopra’s view
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said Shami should not be written off for home Tests. With Jasprit Bumrah unlikely to play all matches, India will need a reliable partner for Mohammed Siraj. While Prasidh Krishna is seen as a likely choice, Chopra argued that Shami could still fill the role.
“I think there is a place. There will always be a place for Shami because Bumrah won’t play the home Tests, and Bumrah won’t play all the matches. That’s a reality. So Siraj is left, but who along with Siraj? You will need Prasidh Krishna in Test matches, but what’s wrong if it’s Shami? So I do feel there is a place,” Chopra explained.
Selectors’ concerns
However, Chopra also hinted at why the selectors remain unconvinced. He suggested doubts over Shami’s fitness, rhythm, and ability to consistently bowl at 140 kmph may have led to his exclusion. The pacer endured a sub-par IPL 2025 season, where former cricketers flagged his dip in pace and inconsistency with line and length.
The road ahead
Chopra urged Shami to use domestic cricket as a platform to silence critics and selectors. “Domestic cricket is a great space where you go and pick up wickets consistently. Even if he doesn’t take wickets, Shami doesn’t need wickets, it’s about the rhythm, and that rhythm should convince the selectors, captain, and coach,” he added.
As India prepares for the West Indies Test series, Shami’s potential return has become a talking point, with Chopra’s comments adding fuel to the debate over whether the experienced pacer still fits into India’s red-ball plans.
