Aakash Chopra: BCCI Has “Moved On” From Mohammed Shami — But a comeback is still possible
Former India batter and commentator Aakash Chopra has painted a stark picture of Mohammed Shami’s standing with the national selectors, saying the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appears to have “moved on” from the senior pacer. Chopra’s remarks came after Shami was omitted from India’s squad for the upcoming New Zealand series. Shami last represented India in March 2025.
Chopra: “They are not considering Mohammed Shami now”
On his YouTube channel Chopra said there has been little to no communication between the selectors and Shami, suggesting that the door is effectively closed for the moment. As Chopra put it, “It’s been decided that they are not considering Mohammed Shami now. There is no conversation or communication. Nothing is happening. That is over.”
Chopra tempered that view with a clear caveat: exceptional domestic form, especially in the IPL, could change the selectors’ minds. “If he has a good season and comes close to the Purple Cap, no one can stop him,” Chopra added, underlining Shami’s talent and his ability to force a recall with standout performances.
Domestic form: Shami is doing the job for Bengal
Shami has been busy on the domestic circuit. Representing Bengal in the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he picked up 14 wickets in six matches and maintained an economy around 5.90 as of January 5. He also featured in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Those numbers show Shami remains a wicket-taking bowler at the domestic level. For a fast bowler known for late movement and an ability to strike with the new ball, consistent returns in limited-overs tournaments keep his name alive in debate.
Fitness concerns have clouded his India prospects
What has clearly worked against Shami in recent times is fitness. Selectors have repeatedly flagged his physical readiness as a concern, and that played a significant part in him missing key series — including the 2024–25 Border–Gavaskar Trophy. At 35, Shami’s pace, workload management and injury history are factors the BCCI has to weigh when planning long-term fast-bowling resources.
How Shami can force his way back
- Domestic dominance: Continuing to lead the wicket charts in the Vijay Hazare and Ranji Trophy will help keep pressure on the selectors.
- IPL impact: A strong IPL season for Lucknow Super Giants, especially a push for the Purple Cap, would be the clearest route to a recall. The IPL is watched closely by national selectors and performances there carry heavy weight.
- Fitness and availability: Demonstrable, consistent fitness will be essential. It’s not enough to perform—Shami must show he can sustain a workload and stay available for international tours.
Outlook
Right now, the signs point to the selectors steering in a different direction. Yet cricket has often shown that form and fitness can quickly alter a player’s fortunes. For Mohammed Shami, the next few months — domestic fixtures followed by the IPL — represent a make-or-break period. If he combines sharp bowling with clear fitness progress, a recall to the Indian side remains within reach. Until then, the ball is in his court.