After months of uncertainty over his fitness and future, Mohammed Shami is back in the selection race with an eye on the ODI World Cup 2027. According to a report in NDTV, the selectors are keeping a close eye on the senior fast bowler and may include him for the three-match series against New Zealand.
Shami has been absent from international cricket since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in March. He took nine wickets, including a five-for, and became the joint-highest wicket-taker for India. However, he has not been selected since then and his absence has fueled speculation.
Mohammed Shami in BCCI’s plans with focus on 2027 World Cup
According to the report of NDTV, Mohammed Shami is on the radar of the selectors. Given his experience and proven wicket-taking ability, he can be selected for the ODI series against New Zealand. The report adds that his chances for the 2027 World Cup have not been ruled out.
“Mohammad Shami is being discussed on a regular basis. He is not out of the running. The only concern is about his fitness. A bowler of his caliber will get wickets,” a BCCI source told NDTV.
“It is wrong to say that he is off the selection radar. He looks good for the New Zealand ODI series. Don’t be surprised if he is selected given his experience and ability to take wickets at will. Even the 2027 World Cup is a possibility,” the source said.
The debate on selection has started with the appointment of Mohammed Shami.
Earlier, Mohammed Shami was expected to be selected for the Test tour of England, but the selectors went against him due to fitness concerns. The Men in Blue chose relatively inexperienced fast bowlers for the five-match series, which India managed to draw 2-2.
His absence from the home Test series against West Indies and the white-ball tour of Australia became a big talking point. Shami has publicly stated that he is fully fit and ready, pointing to his performances in domestic tournaments like Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The situation led to an open exchange, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressing Shami’s comments and explaining the selectors’ position.
Shami may return to the team from the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. With Jasprit Bumrah expected to be rested as part of workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup, Shami could be recalled and lead India’s fast bowling attack in the home series.
Mohammed Shami’s recent form and international absence
Mohammed Shami has not played international cricket since March. He was the leading wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023, but his last Test appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023. The fast bowler last played a T20I match against England in February 2025.
Shami is in strong form in domestic cricket. Playing for Bengal, he has taken six wickets in three matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 and 16 wickets in seven matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.
Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna were selected for India’s last ODI series against South Africa. Although Krishna took four wickets in the final match in Vizag, his overall performance was not solid, leading to the focus being on experienced bowlers like Shami.
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