Former India bowler Navjot Singh Sidhu has said that he wants Mohammed Shami to be a part of the upcoming tour of England, even though there were rumours that he will not be considered. Shami’s last Test match appearance came against Australia during the 2023 World Test Championship final. After a 14-month injury layoff, he made his return to international cricket in January this year.

Shami has faced challenges with his rhythm and hasn’t been at his best in the IPL 2025, taking just six wickets in nine matches. His performance in the T20 league has sparked questions about his readiness for Test cricket. On the other hand, Sidhu has supported Shami.

“When it comes to the red ball, the seam stands upright and remains that way. Shami can make it move off the surface by about six inches, and that movement creates more problems than the swing in the air. That’s why he’s a game-changer as a red-ball bowler no doubt about it,” Sidhu told Sports Today.

Shami has taken 42 wickets at an average of 40.50 in 14 Test matches played in England. The responsibility of spearheading the Indian pace attack fell entirely on Jasprit Bumrah in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Although Bumrah took 32 wickets in five Tests, he was left frustrated due to insufficient support from the other end. Shami’s involvement against England will be important.