Mohammed Shami’s current form in IPL 2025 is causing concern, with commentators questioning his consistency and performance. This has implications for his potential inclusion in India’s Test squad for the upcoming England tour.
Earlier in the IPL, Shami nearly set an unwanted record, conceding 75 runs in a match against Punjab Kings, narrowly avoiding surpassing Jofra Archer’s record for the most expensive four-over spell. Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, remarked, “he’s not looking good” as India gears up for their Test series in England soon after the IPL.
Shami missed the previous IPL season due to an ankle injury that led to surgery in March 2024. In IPL 2023, however, he excelled, claiming the Purple Cap for his 28 wickets with Gujarat Titans. Recently, against his former team, he bowled 3-0-48-0, bringing his season total to just six wickets from nine matches, with an economy rate of 11.23. These figures contribute to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s struggles this season.
Danny Morrison, speaking on ESPNCricinfo’s Time Out, sympathised with Shami: “You’ve had a big surgery like that, I think psychologically for a start it gets you down.” He highlighted Shami’s age as a factor: “He’s no 29-year-old anymore, is he? So there are all of those things that are stacked against you.”
Chopra, known for his candid analysis, was more direct: “It’s not like he came back from an injury last week or last month. He started playing domestic cricket last year and this is May already,” Chopra noted, expressing concern about Shami’s potential performance for India: “If he’s still off the boil…then there is a serious question mark with regards to what happens next.”
Morrison reflected on the technical challenges Shami faces: “He may just be subtly guilty…that if I am not just getting through the crease, pace has come down – sure, all those things – whether you are wholeheartedly getting through your action.”
Shami made his competitive return during the Ranji Trophy for Bengal last year and appeared in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy before rejoining the national team for the T20I series. As discussions continue, Shami’s next performances will be watched closely, with both concern and hope for a return to form.
