‘Not Curtains Yet!’ Aakash Chopra Quashes Retirement Buzz Around Mohammed Shami

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami received a fresh lease of hope on Thursday morning when former opener Aakash Chopra categorically dismissed retirement rumours, insisting that no final verdict has been passed on the 35-year-old’s international career despite his latest Test squad snub. Speaking on his YouTube channel hours after the BCCI named a 17-member squad for the two-Test home series against South Africa without Shami, Chopra told anxious fans, “I won’t say it’s curtains. Many on social media are claiming you won’t see Shami in India colours again—I don’t think that’s the case. No such verdict has been passed by the jury.”

The snub marked the third consecutive home series Shami has missed since returning to competitive cricket in October 2024, despite impressive Ranji Trophy figures of 14 wickets in three matches at an average of 18.21 for Bengal. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar instead retained the tried-and-tested trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, with young Harshit Rana earning a maiden call-up as backup. Shami’s exclusion had triggered a wave of speculation that the selection committee had quietly moved on, especially after reports of minor niggles and workload concerns.

Chopra, however, pointed to India’s packed calendar—15 Tests in the next 12 months, including the blockbuster Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under—and the inevitability of injuries and rotation. “There are a lot of vacant slots for premier fast bowlers. There are injuries, workload management, and so many matches across formats. Don’t worry—Shami’s name will come again, provided he keeps picking wickets and stays fit for an entire season,” the former cricketer asserted, reminding viewers that Shami remains India’s third-highest Test wicket-taker among active pacers with 229 scalps.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant Recalled as Vice‑Captain for India’s South Africa Tests

The ray of optimism comes at a time when Shami himself has repeatedly declared his burning desire to add to his 64 tests, most recently telling reporters in Kolkata, “As long as my body allows and I’m taking wickets, I see no reason to stop.” With Bengal set to play three more Ranji fixtures before Christmas and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starting December 1, Shami now has a clear six-week window to silence doubters and force the selectors’ hand for the England tour in June 2026.

Also Read: INDvsSA Test Series Confirmed: Gill to Lead side in Crucial two-match Test Series