Mohammed Shami is set to miss India’s upcoming five-match Test series against England, with The Indian Express reporting that the BCCI’s medical team has deemed the veteran pacer unfit for the demanding format. The report comes just days before the selectors are expected to name the squad for the major tour. According to the Indian Express, the board has been informed that Shami may not be able to bowl long spells, making it difficult to consider him for an entire Test series. Though he has returned to action in the IPL, doubts remain over whether his body can handle the workload of multi-day cricket. The pacer's last Test appearance came in 2023 during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. After undergoing ankle surgery, Shami was sidelined for almost a year and returned to competitive cricket only recently through the T20 format. Also READ: 7 Legal Balls in One Over in IPL? Here's What Happened Selectors are hesitant to take risks with uncertain pacers With Jasprit Bumrah reportedly informing the BCCI that he can only manage three Tests in the series, the selectors are said to be wary of picking another pacer with physical limitations. While there was internal discussion about including Shami for select matches, the concern is that it would disrupt the team’s long-term planning. “Shami is bowling four overs in the IPL, but the board and selectors don’t know whether he can bowl more than 10 overs in a day,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express. The management is reportedly keen to travel with fully fit bowlers capable of handling long spells in English conditions. Shami’s absence could open the door for other seamers, with Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj emerging as potential replacements. Arshdeep, who played county cricket for Kent last season, is being seen as a strong contender. Kamboj, who has already been named in the India A squad for the England tour, has 74 wickets in 22 first-class matches. Also read: "We gave 180 in 14 overs": Shubman Gill blames bowling after GT's loss to LSG The report also stated that Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to become India’s new Test captain, having recently met with coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.