Shami to be included in Ind VS WS tests? The ex-star of India drops an uncomfortable bomb

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra opined there was nothing wrong if Mohammed Shami could secure a spot in the squad for the IND vs WI Test series. The veteran pacer last featured in the longest format of the game for India in the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023. While Shami is currently out of the favour of the selectors, Chopra believes that he could partner Siraj in the series against West Indies.

Can Shami play in IND vs WI Test series?

In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out that spearhead Jasprit Bumrah won’t play in home Tests, and even if he does, he won’t play all matches. He said that while India can look to use Prasidh Krishna to partner Siraj, there was nothing wrong if Shami is given a chance, adding that he always had a place in the team. Chopra opined that the selectors weren’t convinced about Shami’s fitness, adding that he perhaps wasn’t running fast, bowling over 140 kmph consistently and lacked rhythm.

“I think there is a place. There will always be a place for Shami because Bumrah won’t play the home Tests, and Bumrah won’t play all the matches. That’s a reality. So Siraj is left, but who along with Siraj? You will need Prasidh Krishna in Test matches, but what’s wrong if it’s Shami? So I do feel there is a place,” Chopra said.

While Shami made his comeback to India’s white-ball side earlier this year, he was left out of the IND vs ENG Test series. This was after he had a sub-par IPL 2025 season where his inability to bowl consistent line, lengths and pace were flagged by several former cricketers. Chopra opined that domestic cricket was the right space for Shami to consistently bowl and pick up wickets in order to prove the selectors wrong.

“Domestic cricket is a great space where you go and pick up wickets consistently. Even if he doesn’t take wickets, Shami doesn’t need wickets, it’s about the rhythm, and that rhythm should convince the selectors, captain, and coach because at this point in time, what is lacking is that the selectors aren’t convinced,” he said.