India, Aug. 11 -- There was sudden buzz around Mohammed Shami's potential return to the Indian Test fold for the series against England after the fast bowler was seen practising with a special ball, red on one side and white on the other, in the Sunrisers Hyderabad nets. But it all subsided when he was not considered for a spot in the side, sparking questions about his future in the Indian team.

Shami has not played Test cricket since the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023. He returned to competitive cricket in October last year after being out of action for months due to injury. Although he featured in domestic red-ball matches, he failed to prove his fitness and was omitted from the tour of Australia.

According to...