The wait is almost over. In just a few days, likely around December 22, the BCCI selection committee will sit down to pick the squad for the highly anticipated 5-Test series against England.
But let’s be honest: nobody is really worried about who will bat at number 4. We know the batting lineup is pretty settled. The real question, the one keeping Indian cricket fans awake at night, is about one man: Mohammed Shami.
Is the "Amroha Express" finally back? Or will we have to face England’s aggressive "Bazball" without our premier reverse-swing specialist?
Here is a deep dive into the situation, why his return is so critical, and what the likely squad will look like.
It feels like ages since we saw Shami steaming in with that perfect upright seam position. After his ankle surgery and the long rehabilitation process at the NCA (National Cricket Academy), the reports have been a game of "will he, won't he."
The Good News: Sources suggest Shami has been bowling full tilt in the nets. He recently played a domestic Ranji Trophy match for Bengal to prove his match fitness. The selectors have always made one rule clear: You don't play for India directly from rehab; you have to prove it in domestic cricket first.
The Concern: A 5-Test series is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s grueling. The selectors aren't just worried about whether he can bowl 20 overs in one match; they are worried about whether his body can handle back-to-back Test matches. Rushing him back too early could risk a breakdown before the all-important WTC Final or the next IPL.
You might ask, "We have Siraj and Akash Deep, why is Shami so indispensable?"
It comes down to one specific skill that is lethal in Indian conditions: Reverse Swing.
When England comes to India, the pitches will be dry. The ball will get scuffed up by the 30th over. This is where Shami is a magician.
Against England's aggressive batters (Harry Brook, Ben Duckett), who like to attack spinners, you need a fast bowler who can take wickets in the middle of the afternoon when the pitch is flat. Shami is arguably the best in the world at that specific phase of the game.
If the medical team decides to give Shami more time, who steps up?
Based on current form and fitness reports, here is the likely squad the BCCI will announce next week.
Batters:
Wicketkeepers:
All-Rounders (The Engine Room):
Fast Bowlers:
My Prediction: The selectors will play it safe.
I believe Shami will be named in the squad but might not play the 1st Test. The management will likely keep him with the team, monitor his workload in the nets, and unleash him from the 2nd or 3rd Test onwards when the series heats up.
They did a similar thing with Bumrah in the past. Bringing Shami back for the entire 5-match series is a considerable risk. Rotating him with Siraj seems like the most brilliant move to ensure he stays fit for the long haul.
India is currently fighting for the top spot in the World Test Championship standings. A series win against England virtually guarantees a spot in the Final at Lord's. To do that, India needs 20 wickets in every match.
Without Shami, taking 20 wickets on a flat Day 3 track becomes significantly harder. With him, India looks almost unbeatable at home.
Keep an eye out on December 22. That squad list will tell us if India is going for the "All-Out Attack" or the "Safe & Steady" approach.
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