NEW DELHI: BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar on Tuesday dismissed any talk of a near-term return for Mohammed Shami to Test cricket, saying the fast bowler is currently “ready for T20 cricket” even after completing a full domestic campaign. Agarkar’s remarks came after the BCCI unveiled India’s squads for a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with the matches set to take place in India in June. Shami, who has worked his way back through domestic cricket, was left out of both squads.
Agarkar clarifies Shami’s status ahead of Afghanistan tour
Speaking to reporters, Agarkar said there had been no deliberations about Shami resuming Test duties. He added that, based on the information available, Shami’s current condition aligns more with the demands of the shortest format.
“No (discussions on Shami’s Test return). As far as we have been told that at this point… his body is allowing him to (play), I know he has played a domestic season this year. But from the information I have got, it’s T20 cricket that he’s sort of ready for. So there was no discussion regarding him,” Agarkar said.
Shami’s recent form and route back through domestic cricket
The 35-year-old has been away from India’s international fold for over a year, but has returned to competitive action and delivered a productive Ranji Trophy season for Bengal. His wicket tally included a standout spell in the Ranji Trophy semi-final.
- Shami took 67 wickets during Bengal’s domestic season.
- In the Ranji Trophy semi-final in February, he recorded 9 for 114 against Jammu & Kashmir, though Bengal still finished on the losing side.
Last India appearances across formats
Agarkar’s comments also followed a reminder of Shami’s most recent outings for India in different formats.
- Shami last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.
- His latest ODI appearance was against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai, a match India won.
- His most recent Test match for India came against Australia in the WTC final at The Oval in 2023.
- In T20Is, his last appearance for India was against England in Mumbai earlier in 2025.
IPL 2026 update and India’s Test squad for Afghanistan
While Shami has found form in franchise cricket, the selectors have still not included him in India’s upcoming international squads. In the ongoing IPL 2026 season, he began promisingly but has not been able to sustain a steady rhythm.
- Shami has taken 10 wickets in 12 matches so far in IPL 2026.
For the Afghanistan one-off Test, India’s squad will be captained by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul stepping in as vice-captain in place of Rishabh Pant. Ravindra Jadeja has been rested for the Test. Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey have earned spots in the playing squad.
India’s Test squad (Afghanistan match)
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul (vice-captain)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Rishabh Pant
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Manav Suthar
- Gurnoor Brar
- Harsh Dubey
- Dhruv Jurel
