The upcoming five-Test series between India and England, starting June 20 at Headingley, is set to be a pivotal contest in the new World Test Championship cycle. However, India face a significant setback: senior pacer Mohammed Shami is reportedly not fully fit and is doubtful for selection. Shami’s absence, given his experience and past performances, leaves a crucial gap in the Indian pace attack. With the selection committee poised to announce the squad, attention has turned to potential replacements who can step up in English conditions.
3 pacers who can replace Mohammed Shami in India’s Test squad for England tour
1) Yash Dayal
Yash Dayal emerges as a strong candidate to replace Shami due to his superior experience in red-ball cricket and consistent performances in domestic cricket. Unlike Arshdeep Singh, Dayal has played more first-class matches (24) and taken 76 wickets at an average of 28.89, showcasing his ability to bowl long spells with control and resilience. His recent performances in the Duleep Trophy, where he turned matches with crucial wickets and maintained tight lines, impressed selectors and gave him the edge over other left-arm pacers like Arshdeep and Khaleel Ahmed. Dayal’s left-arm angle and ability to maintain pressure make him a valuable asset in England’s swing-friendly conditions.
2) Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh Krishna’s rise in Indian cricket has been marked by his ability to extract bounce and seam movement, thanks to his height and high-arm action-qualities that are particularly effective in England. Krishna made a strong impression on his Test debut in 2023 and has since bolstered his credentials with consistent performances in domestic cricket. His first-class record is impressive: 88 wickets in 24 matches at an average of 21.57, including a standout performance against Australia where he took six wickets at 17.83 apiece. Krishna’s adaptability to varying conditions and his recent form in both the Ranji Trophy and IPL (16 wickets in eight matches) make him a frontrunner to fill Shami’s shoes.
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3) Mohammed Siraj
While Mohammed Siraj is likely to be part of the squad regardless, his role becomes even more critical in Shami’s absence. Siraj brings relentless aggression, the ability to generate movement off the seam, and a proven track record in overseas conditions. He has previously performed well in England and was one of the standout bowlers during India’s last tour, consistently troubling top-order batters with his pace and bounce. Siraj’s IPL 2025 form has also been encouraging, and his overall Test record-101 wickets in 73 matches-underscores his experience and reliability as a strike bowler.
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