The continued absence of Mohammed Shami from India’s ODI and Test squads has now sparked serious questions about the veteran pacer’s future in international cricket. After India announced their squads for the upcoming Afghanistan series, chief selector Ajit Agarkar made remarks that strongly suggested the management may already be looking beyond the experienced fast bowler in the longer formats.

Shami was once again ignored for both the Test and ODI squads despite returning to competitive cricket following his lengthy rehabilitation from injury. While the 35-year-old has been active in domestic cricket and IPL 2026, the selectors appear unconvinced about his readiness for red-ball and 50-over cricket.

Speaking during the squad announcement press conference, Ajit Agarkar admitted that Shami was not even part of the selection discussion for the Afghanistan series.

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“No discussions on Shami’s Test return. From the information we have received, at this point his body is allowing him to play only T20 cricket. So there was no discussion regarding him,” Ajit Agarkar said.

The statement immediately intensified speculation around Shami’s standing in India’s long-term plans. The experienced pacer last represented India during the Champions Trophy final in March 2025 but has since disappeared completely from the national side’s ODI and Test setup.  Despite that, Shami has remained an important figure for Lucknow Super Giants during IPL 2026. He has picked up 10 wickets in 12 matches while regularly bowling during pressure overs, even as the franchise endured a difficult season.

Before this latest omission, Shami was also overlooked for India’s ODI series against New Zealand despite an impressive domestic campaign for Bengal. The veteran seamer claimed 47 wickets across formats, including strong performances in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

However, India’s selectors appear increasingly focused on younger fast bowlers as part of the transition towards the next World Cup cycle and future overseas Test tours.

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Fitness concerns remain the biggest factor behind Shami’s exclusion. Following heel and Achilles surgery, the Indian management has taken an extremely cautious approach regarding his workload. Even after his successful return to domestic cricket, doubts reportedly remained about whether his body could consistently handle the demands of Test cricket and long ODI spells.

At 35, Shami now finds himself battling not just fitness issues but also India’s evolving pace-bowling plans. Agarkar’s latest comments suggest that, for now, the selectors view him as a T20-only option rather than a multi-format regular moving forward.