India decide on Mohammed Shami comeback [Source: AFP]India is set to face Afghanistan in the one-off Test next month. Ahead of the game, the BCCI has reportedly taken a big decision on the comeback of seamer Mohammed Shami into red-ball cricket.Shami has not played Test cricket since 2023. That year, he injured his heel during the ODI World Cup and spent more than 12 months in rehabilitation. Though he did make a brief comeback in the Champions Trophy 2025, his absence in the red-ball format has been a concern.BCCI have moved on from Mohammed ShamiMeanwhile, ahead of the India vs Afghanistan Test, the selectors will reportedly meet the BCCI to discuss the workload management of the frontline pacers.According to TOI, the Indian management still wants to field its strongest available XI despite the Afghanistan Test not being part of the current WTC cycle. India are scheduled to play nine WTC Tests over the next nine months, making workload management a critical issue. However, despite the shortage of experienced fast bowlers, the management has moved on from veteran seamer Mohammed Shami.Apparently, the selectors no longer see Shami in their long-term Test plans, and hence, he is unlikely to be considered for the India vs Afghanistan one-off Test.Instead of Mohammed Shami, the BCCI appear more interested in managing the workloads of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj and backing younger pacers like Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav.Also Read - "Mat Kar Lala"- Mohammed Shami's Jaw Dropping Spell Leads Fan Eruption For India ComebackShami earlier rejected retirement rumoursWhat makes the situation surprising is Mohammed Shami’s outstanding domestic season. The 35-year-old reportedly picked up 67 wickets across the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy during the 2025-26 season. Despite that, he is being sidelined by the management, thus giving rise to retirement rumours. However, Shami himself shut down all rumours during an interview. The pacer made it clear that he is nowhere close to walking away from the game.“When I get tired, I will call it a day. But I am not even thinking of retirement right now,” Shami had said.For now, Shami remains active in the IPL with LSG and continues pushing for a return. However, if the rumours about his Test future are true, Mohammed Shami won’t be able to delay the inevitable for long.India concerned about workload managementComing back to the Test schedule, India will play 9 Tests in the next WTC over the next 9 months. Moreover, the issue becomes bigger because IPL 2026 ends only on May 31, while the Afghanistan Test begins on June 6. That leaves very little recovery time for the pacers, which adds to the workload issue. Jasprit Bumrah is the centre of the debate as he has a worrying history of back injuries.But his franchise, the Mumbai Indians, is already out of the IPL playoffs, meaning he could technically be available earlier than others. But availability is not the same as readiness. Hence, a final decision on Bumrah will happen only after detailed discussions between selectors, management, and medical staff.Also Read - Pakistan Fills ICC's Pockets, While India Fails! Another Tournament To Be Awarded?
