Mohammed Shami missed Asia Cup 2025 due to poor IPL form and fitness doubts, but will play the Duleep Trophy.

Mohammed Shami Responds to Asia Cup Omission

Veteran India bowler Mohammed Shami on Wednesday sharply reacted to his non-selection for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup. India named five specialist bowlers for the tournament, including three pacers led by Jasprit Bumrah, but Shami was left out of both the 15-member squad and the reserves.

The 35-year-old had returned to the T20I fold earlier this year during the home series against England, his first appearance in the format since the 2022 T20 World Cup. He went wicketless in his comeback game at Rajkot but impressed with three wickets in the Wankhede clash.

However, Mohammed Shami endured a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign with Sunrisers Hyderabad, managing only six wickets in nine games at an economy of 11.23, and was even benched for a few matches. His exclusion from the Test series against England was reportedly due to fitness concerns, and he has now also been overlooked for the Asia Cup.

While his omission was widely assumed to be fitness-related, Shami clarified that he is set to feature in the Duleep Trophy, beginning Thursday.

“I don’t blame anyone for non-selection or complain about it. If I’m right for the team, select me; if I’m not, then I have no issues with it. Selectors have the responsibility to do what’s best for Team India. I have a belief in my abilities that if and when I’m granted an opportunity, I’ll give my best. I’m working hard,” he told News24 Sports.

When pressed if he was indeed available for the Asia Cup, Shami questioned: “If I can play the Duleep Trophy, then why won’t I be able to play T20 cricket?”

When will Shami make his India comeback?

Despite missing the Australia and England tours due to fitness concerns, Mohammed Shami is determined to prove his mettle in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, especially with the home Test series against the West Indies on the horizon. However, he admitted he has little hope of making an India comeback, even though he recently cleared the Bronco fitness test in Bengaluru ahead of the tournament.

“Right now, I don’t have any hope (about my international return). If they play me, I’ll try to perform and give my 100 percent. Whether they play me or not, that’s not in my hands. If I’m playing the Duleep Trophy, five-day cricket, I’m available for all formats. I was called to Bengaluru, and I have cleared the fitness test (Bronco), and now I’m ready to go back,” Shami said.