Just a day after being ignored for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, the story about Mohammed Shami’s return to India has changed from a doubt to a strategic possibility. Mohammed Shami may return to the selectors’ radar for the upcoming events.
Is Mohammed Shami making a comeback in India?
The Indian selectors announced the ODI squad for the three-match home series against New Zealand starting January 11 and once again Mohammed Shami was overlooked.
For the New Zealand series, young players like Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh were given preference over experienced fast bowlers. The miss sparked fresh debate, especially given Shami’s experience, match-winning impact and his ongoing performances in domestic cricket.
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His last appearance for India came during their victorious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, leading many to wonder if this was the end of the Indian fast bowler’s career at the international level.
However, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has strongly denied that Shami’s career is now over. Pathan believes that the senior fast bowler is not finished yet and the doors to the national team are still very much open.
Irfan Pathan’s strong defense: “As long as you play cricket, you have to keep proving yourself”
Pathan feels Shami’s career should not be judged by one or two selection calls. He told that Shami is not a new player but is one of the most successful fast bowlers of India.
“The biggest talking point is Mohammed Shami. What is his future? He is not someone who came yesterday, played a few matches and left. He has taken 450-500 international wickets, which is a huge number,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
If you have taken more than 400 wickets and then you are dropped and your fitness is questioned, it happens to everyone. As long as you play cricket, you have to keep proving yourself.”
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200 overs not enough? Pathan orders Shami to fire in IPL 2026
The former all-rounder also stressed that Shami has already done a lot to address his fitness concerns. The fast bowler has bowled more than 200 overs across all formats this season, which clearly shows his workload capability. Although the selectors have not shared the reason behind Shami’s omission, Pathan has questioned the intentions of the selection committee.
Taking aim at Ajit Agarkar and his team, Pathan said, “What else needs to be improved? Only the selection committee knows what they are thinking.”
The cricket pundit also believes that the upcoming IPL 2026 could be the biggest turning point for Shami. He believes that a strong IPL season, especially with the new ball, could open doors for Shami.
Pathan said, “If I were in his place, I would have gone and played the IPL and created havoc. I would have taken the new ball and performed at this level. Domestic cricket performances are discussed, but when the IPL comes and you show your old rhythm and fitness, no one can ignore you. The whole world watches the IPL. If you perform there, you make your place in the team again. I believe their doors should not be closed.”
