'They are not considering him now' - Aakash Chopra lays out comeback route for Mohammed Shami

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has opined that Mohammed Shami is no more in the scheme of things of the selectors. Shami last played for the Men in Blue in March 2025. Chopra's comments came after Shami was not selected in India's squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

Chopra suggested that the BCCI had moved on from Shami and that there has been little to no conversation from the selectors' end concerning the right-arm pacer. 

"Someone has asked a question as to what would happen to Mohammed Shami. I would only say that it's been decided that they are not considering Mohammed Shami now. There is no conversation or communication. Nothing is happening. That is over," shared Chopra in a video on his YouTube channel.

The cricketer-turned-commentator commented that Shami could still make his way back into the national team if he becomes one of the top wicket-takers for Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming Indian Premier League.

"However, since he is playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and the Ranji Trophy, and will also play the Indian Premier League for Lucknow, if he has a good season and sets the stage on fire and comes close to the Purple Cap, I can give you in writing that no one can stop him. He will 100% come close to the team because that's Mohammed Shami," he added.

Shami is currently representing Bengal in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has picked up 14 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 5.90, as of January 5. He was also involved in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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The selectors have been reluctant to try out Shami in the recent past and have cited concerns over his fitness. This was the primary reason for the 35-year-old to miss out featuring in the 2024-25 installment of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, amongst other series.