Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has said that Mohammed Siraj should be a part of more matches for India in ODIs in place of experienced fast bowling star Mohammed Shami to make it to the 2027 World Cup.
Since the last World Cup in 2023, Mohammed Shami has played just 6 matches for India in the 50-over format, and on the other hand, the workload on Siraj is increasing and he has been rested from limited-overs cricket for some time. Irfan Pathan not only mentioned Shami’s replacement, but he also criticized the lack of Jasprit Bumrah for India.
Irfan Pathan replaces Mohammed Shami in Indian ODI team
Former cricketer Irfan Pathan has now opined that Mohammed Siraj should be used regularly to open the innings for India with the new white ball. Siraj has developed into a great red-ball bowler and will soon take over the white-ball format, replacing former fast bowler Mohammed Shami.
The former star believes that Siraj is the only legitimate senior bowler among the youngsters and can replace Mohammed Shami’s legacy in the Indian team.
“Mohammad Siraj is a senior bowler now; he falls into that category now. Sure, he has been brilliant in Tests, but if he is a regular new-ball bowler in ODIs, we can expect him to play Mohammed Shami’s role in the 2027 World Cup.”
“We need at least three good, quality, solid, fast bowlers in South Africa, and Bumrah picks the game and he hasn’t played an ODI since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, so we need to have other bowlers ready in case of injuries,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
Mohammed Shami has been ignored time and again despite brilliant performances
Shami has taken 55 wickets in only 18 50-over ICC matches in such tournaments, and his average is quite good for India. However, after the Champions Trophy in 2025, Shami was sidelined first due to injury, then due to his problems within the family and now due to his lack of participation in the matches.
However, he has not given up yet, and the Indian legend feels that he can make a comeback into the team if he can prove his fitness and ability to strike at crucial junctures for the team, which he has done efficiently in domestic competitions like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal.
However, despite all efforts, Mohammed Shami has not been able to attract the attention of the selectors.
“One of the three frontline pacers may have to make room for Kuldeep Yadav,” Irfan Pathan said.
Team India has rested Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming series against New Zealand, as the veteran fast bowler will now be used wisely ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. Bumrah will play an important role in defending India’s title in the home World Cup.
Irfan Pathan said, “One of the three frontline pacers may have to make way for Kuldeep Yadav, and I think it will be one of Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh, as India already have the batsman up to No. 8. India are solid favorites in this series, so I expect them to not win 2-1, but get a 3-0 result.”
The New Zealand series will begin on January 11 in Vadodara, where priority will be given to Indian fast bowlers like Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh, who are part of the same squad against New Zealand along with Mohammed Siraj.
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