Mohammed Shami was spotted playing backyard cricket with family after he was ignored for selection for India's upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting on June 20. After last being seen in Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Shami is enjoying a much-needed break.
While speculations were rife that he would announce Test retirement, the 34-year-old silenced those critics, saying he has a lot to prove and to offer for India. However, for the time being, the fast bowler is enjoying spending some quality time with his loved ones. Shami gave a fitting caption, which read: "A day well spent on the field with family."
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Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel explains why Mohammed Shami was left out of the England series
For the unversed, Shami failed to make an impact in the IPL playing for SRH as he could just pick six wickets at an average of 56.16 while conceding runs at a high economy rate of 11.23 runs per over. This IPL season was supposed to be a practice for the veteran for the England series. However, considering his lack of fitness and poor returns, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel decided to snub Shami and instead take young pacers for the England series.
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"He’s had a little bit of a setback over the past week, got some MRIs done. Wasn’t going to be able to play five Tests. Don’t think his workload is where he needs to be. Medical guys told him he’ll be ruled out. We were hoping he’ll play some part, but if he’s not fit, we’d rather pick guys fit and available rather than waiting.”
