Mohammed Shami’s tough times might be sticking around a bit longer. Reports say the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to leave him out of the upcoming five-Test tour of England. Shami missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia because of injuries, and now they’re worried he can’t bowl long spells, costing him his spot on the Test team for England even though he has a lot of experience.

He’s been playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2025 season, but his poor form has led the team to look at other bowlers lately. According to the Indian Express, the BCCI’s medical team told the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, that Shami isn’t fit enough to bowl at full capacity in a Test match. So, his chances of being picked for the tour are pretty slim.

Shami has been bowling four overs in the IPL, but the selectors aren’t sure if he can manage more than 10 overs in a day, which is what Test matches often require. A source mentioned, “We can’t take any risks.” With Shami seen as unfit for selection, it looks like left-arm bowler Arshdeep Singh might get his first Test call-up. Another name in the mix is Anshul Kamboj, a right-arm seamer from Haryana who has taken 74 wickets in 22 first-class games. He’s already been picked for the India A tour of England.

The selection committee is expected to meet soon to finalize the squad for England. Shubman Gill seems to be the top choice to take over from Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain, though some still back Jasprit Bumrah for the job.