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Veteran India pacer Mohammad Shami has made headlines with his impressive performances for Bengal in the ongoing 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. The 35-year-old has been in the spotlight recently amid controversy over his non-selection and remarks about chief selector Ajit Agarkar. However, his strong showing in domestic cricket has shifted the focus back to his on-field performances.The right-arm pacer has dealt with recurring injuries since the 2023 ODI World Cup but managed to make his return to the national setup, featuring in India’s Champions Trophy 2025-winning squad. However, he was not part of the away Test tour of England, the recent two-match Test series against the West Indies, or the ongoing white-ball tour of Australia.In the Ranji Trophy, Mohammad Shami has shown encouraging signs of rhythm and fitness, taking 15 wickets in two matches at an impressive average of 10.46 and a strike rate of 27.20, including a five-wicket haul in Bengal’s 141-run win over Gujarat.India’s next red-ball assignment is a two-Test series against South Africa, beginning November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22. With Shami displaying strong domestic form, here’s a look at three reasons why India should consider recalling the Bengal pacer for the upcoming series against South Africa.#1 Perfect candidate to be part of the XI if Mohammed Siraj or Jasprit Bumrah gets restedThere has been ongoing debate in world cricket about workload management for fast bowlers, particularly in India’s case with Jasprit Bumrah. The premier pacer featured in three of the five away Tests during the England series earlier this year, followed by appearances in the 2025 Asia Cup and the two-match home Test series against the West Indies, before missing the three-match ODI series in Australia, though he is part of the T20I squad.With India carefully monitoring Bumrah’s workload and Mohammed Siraj continuing to play regularly in red-ball cricket while also being reintegrated into the ODI setup, the management may consider resting one of them during the upcoming Tests. In such a scenario, Mohammad Shami could be the ideal replacement.Although there have been questions about Mohammad Shami’s fitness, India’s rotation policy for pacers allows flexibility. Shami could step in when either Bumrah or Siraj is rested and, in turn, be given adequate recovery time when both are available. This rotation would enable India to field three experienced red-ball pacers throughout the series, ensuring a balance between workload management, experience, and quality in the bowling attack.#2 Strong record in home conditions and in Tests against South AfricaAnother factor working in Mohammad Shami’s favour is his strong record in Test cricket at home. While the experienced pacer has been performing well in the Ranji Trophy, his overall Test numbers also underline his consistency. Shami has represented India in 64 Tests, taking 229 wickets at an average of 27.71 and a strike rate of 50.2, including six five-wicket hauls.In home conditions, the 35-year-old has played 21 Tests, claiming 76 wickets in 42 innings at an average of 22.11 and a strike rate of 42.62, with two five-wicket hauls to his name.Adding to that, the first Test of the South Africa series will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, a venue where Mohammad Shami has excelled both domestically and internationally. In this season’s Ranji Trophy, he has already taken 15 wickets in two matches at the venue. At the international level, he has featured in four Tests at Eden Gardens, taking 23 wickets at an average of 19.39 and a strike rate of 31.52, including one five-wicket haul.#3 Other pacers haven’t fully utilized their opportunities, so Mohammad Shami deserves another goMohammad Shami’s last Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval, where he picked up four wickets in India’s 209-run defeat. Since then, Shami has not featured in red-ball cricket for over two years, during which several pacers have been tried but none have fully met expectations.Shami’s Bengal teammate Akash Deep made his Test debut in 2024 and has since played 10 matches, taking 28 wickets at an average of 35.78 and a strike rate of 54.8, including one five-wicket haul. Of these, five Tests have come at home, where he has taken 10 wickets at an average of 25.80 and a strike rate of 41.40.Looking at Prasidh Krishna’s record in red-ball cricket for India, the Karnataka seamer has featured in six Tests, claiming 22 wickets at an average of 34.46, a strike rate of 43.6, and an economy rate of 4.72. Meanwhile, young pacer Harshit Rana has managed four wickets in two Tests, averaging 50.75 with a strike rate of 67.5 and an economy rate of 4.51.Apart from Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, India are yet to find a consistent third pace partner. With Mohammad Shami showing positive signs in domestic cricket and back among the wickets, the management could consider recalling the veteran to strengthen the pace attack for upcoming red-ball assignments.
