Aakash Chopra Casts Doubt on Mohammed Shami's India Return, Citing Lack of Game Time

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed doubts about Mohammed Shami’s chances of returning to the national side, highlighting the veteran pacer’s lack of recent match practice. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “I feel it won’t be good because if his name has not come now, the chances of his name coming in India are very less in any case. Of course, he will and is playing domestic cricket and he has asked people why they are after him if he wants to play, and that is absolutely fine.”Chopra, while acknowledging Shami’s experience and talent, noted that the veteran has fallen behind in the competitive race for India’s fast-bowling spots.“However, he has fallen way behind in the race, although it’s also true that we do not have such a big fast-bowling pool seeing which we would say that if someone’s name is not there now, it would never come. His name can come, but the chances have become very less, unless there is an incredible IPL,” he added.The 35-year-old Shami has been absent from recent international squads, and his opportunities have been limited to sporadic domestic appearances. Chopra urged fans to remain hopeful about Shami’s potential comeback, emphasising that strong performances in domestic cricket or the IPL 2026 could still provide an opening.Earlier, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar also commented on Shami, stressing the need for game time before consideration for national selection.“I don’t have an update. I think he has not played a lot of cricket in the last 2-3 years. I think he’s played one match for Bengal and one for the Duleep Trophy. So as a performer, we know what he can do, but he will need to play some cricket,” Agarkar explained.Shami’s future remains uncertain unless he can deliver exceptional performances to catch the selectors’ eyes.