Given the current circumstances surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in a new state of uncertainty as the future of another prominent India player in Test cricket is in question ahead of the forthcoming trip of England.

Mohammad Shami's fitness and form have been major concerns for the selectors, who may have to make a difficult decision for the five-match Test series in England, according to a story in the Times of India.

The committee and team management will have another issue as a result of this, and the fast-bowling lineup appears uncertain. Once more, Jasprit Bumrah, who also struggles with back issues, will bear the full load.

"As of now, Shami isn't an automatic pick. It's been months since he has come back to international cricket, but he has barely been in rhythm. While IPL performances are not usually considered while picking India teams, Shami is struggling to finish his run-up, and the ball is not carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury after the 2023 ODI World Cup. He invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery," BCCI sources told Times of India.

In order to control his workload, the selectors anticipate that Jasprit Bumrah would play no more than three Test matches during the series against England, according to the article.  

Notably, the fast bowler missed the Champions Trophy and the beginning of the 2025 Indian Premier League after suffering a back spasm during the final Test match against Australia in the first week of January. He just fully recovered from the injury earlier last month.

"The initial plan was to ensure the team could at least play either of Shami or Bumrah in every Test. However, if Bumrah is rested for a match and Shami struggles to pull through, it will be a big issue. They are trying to understand the problem Shami is facing," sources added.

Mohammed Siraj's career in international cricket has not been easy. He was thought to be the next in line to succeed Bumrah as the pace leader across formats not too long ago. The former world number one ODI bowler, however, is now preparing for a crucial Test series in England after being left out of the Champions Trophy earlier this year.

According to the article, selectors are considering backup possibilities since they are worried about Siraj's performance. The position is being discussed with left-armers Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal, and Arshdeep Singh.