Former India opener Aakash Chopra has dismissed social media claims suggesting that Mohammad Shami’s international career might be over after he was not included in the Indian squad for the home Test series against South Africa. Chopra emphasized that the experienced Bengal fast bowler can definitely make a comeback if he continues his wicket-taking form in domestic cricket.
Shami has missed a significant portion of international cricket due to injury and fitness issues following his impressive performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. The 35-year-old last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final in Dubai earlier this year. Prior to that, he was part of the T20I squad against England at home. However, Shami has not played Test cricket since the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval.
Despite picking up 15 wickets in three matches during the ongoing Ranji Trophy season for Bengal, Shami was overlooked for the two-match Test series against South Africa.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra urged fans and critics not to be disheartened and insisted that Shami will get opportunities again as long as he maintains his performance at the domestic level.
“I won’t say that it’s curtains. Many on social media are claiming that you won’t see Shami playing for India again. I don’t think that’s the case. No such verdict has been passed by the jury. He can get a chance again provided he keeps picking up wickets and lasts an entire season,” Chopra said.
Chopra further added, “There are a lot of vacant slots for premier fast bowlers. There are injuries and workload management as well. There are lots of matches being played across formats, so I don’t think that will be an issue. Don’t worry about it. Shami’s name will come.”
Mohammad Shami has so far featured in 64 Test matches, claiming 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls. In addition, he has taken over 200 wickets in ODIs and 27 scalps in T20Is.
### Akash Deep Preferred Over Mohammad Shami for India vs South Africa 2025 Tests
From the team that recently faced the West Indies, India made only two changes to the 15-man squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. A fit-again Rishabh Pant has returned in place of N Jagadeesan, while Prasidh Krishna was replaced by Akash Deep.
Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack, supported once again by Mohammed Siraj. Siraj was the leading wicket-taker during the demanding five-match Test series in England, claiming 23 wickets at an average of 32.43. Bumrah played three Tests in that series and took 14 wickets at an average of 26, while Akash Deep impressed with 10 wickets in the Birmingham Test.
The selectors’ preference for Akash Deep over Shami in the current Test squad highlights the competitive nature of fast bowling slots in the Indian team, but as Aakash Chopra noted, Shami’s experience and skills mean he remains very much in contention, provided he continues strong domestic performances.
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