Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami’s chances of returning to international cricket for India appear uncertain, with the pacer having not played for the national team for one-and-a-half years. Now 36, Shami has dealt with recurring injuries in recent years, and the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee appears to have moved towards a younger group of fast bowlers.This has led to questions over whether Shami is being overlooked because of his age, especially as he has continued to perform in domestic cricket. There have been arguments that the BCCI should not rule him out because of his age, pointing to experienced fast bowlers such as Mitchell Starc, who continue to play for Australia.However, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra said age is not the only reason Shami is out of the Indian team."There is a stark difference between Mohammed Shami and Mitchell Starc. Starc has remained fit and played continuously, and whenever he has returned to action, he has spearheaded the (Australian) attack. No question can be raised over his form, fitness and sharpness," Chopra said, in a video posted by CREX."Mohammed Shami, on the other hand, has had injuries. He had a surgery and then spent time out of action. When he returned to domestic cricket, there were question marks over his pace and whether he was in full swing. He did take wickets, but that intensity appeared to be lacking," he said.Chopra also rejected the idea that Shami’s age is the reason he has been left out, pointing to the continued selection of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are older than Shami."Is Shami's age going against him? I think that would be preposterous. It makes no sense whatsoever to drop someone because of his age, because you are still selecting veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.""I don't think age is the factor. At some point, the selectors will spell out the reason, but I don't think it is age," Chopra concluded.Shami recently completed 100 first-class matches after playing for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final.