Shami's New Zealand Record Could Rule Him Out of Test Return
Despite a strong Duleep Trophy performance, Mohammed Shami's overseas numbers and fitness concerns may keep him out of the upcoming Test series.
Mohammed Shami reminded selectors of his quality with a disciplined spell in the Duleep Trophy final. On a Chennai pitch offering little help, he used reverse swing to remove set batters and finished with seven wickets in the match after sending down 62 overs. That workload and rhythm at age 36 suggest he remains fit enough for the longest format.
Yet the selectors might hesitate. Shami's Test record in New Zealand is modest, and conditions there differ sharply from home surfaces where reverse swing excels. With the BCCI already excluding him from central contracts due to fitness doubts, the think tank may prefer younger quicks for the tour.
The final call will depend on whether the committee trusts his experience or looks ahead to the next generation. His domestic form makes a strong case, but his past numbers in the country and ongoing injury management concerns could tip the balance.