Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth has raised a big question on India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He is surprised that despite his huge impact in the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Indian team management has almost completely distanced itself from veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami.
Srikkanth was disappointed with the way the Indian selectors and team management dropped Shami. Shami has not played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy, but Srikkanth believes there is still enough time for the bowler to make a comeback into the team and fight for a place in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup squad.
Mohammed Shami’s memorable 2023 World Cup
Mohammed Shami was one of the most impressive players during the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil. His numbers were excellent as the senior fast bowler finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets in just seven matches.
Mohammed Shami took these wickets at an average of only 10.70 and economy rate of 5.26 and played an important role in the team’s final journey. However, things have changed since then, mainly due to several injuries, and he is now 35 years old, which puts him behind in the race.
Kris Srikkanth angry over Mohammed Shami’s defeat to India
Kris Srikkanth has been surprised the most by not being given a chance since the Men in Blue won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The former Indian chief selector believes that a bowler with Mohammed Shami’s experience and record should still be considered for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
However, the 1983 World Cup winner stressed that young fast bowlers like Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar and Mohsin Khan should not be left out at this stage. With the 2027 ODI World Cup still about 15 months away, these bowlers have plenty of time to make an impact.
Chris Srikkanth said on Star Sports, “Prince Yadav is also a good bowler along with Gurnoor Brar and Mohsin Khan. All three should not be written off. They can make the World Cup squad, because 15 months is still a long time. But Shami was an excellent bowler. I am surprised that the management has not made him anything.”
India can’t win without Jasprit Bumrah: Kris Srikkanth makes big claim of 2027 ICC ODI World Cup
When it comes to India’s World Cup prospects, Srikkanth said the Men in Blue cannot win the trophy without Jasprit Bumrah, so his workload should be handled carefully. Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar got the nod for the 2027 World Cup as Ravichandran Ashwin raised questions over India’s pace attack.
Bumrah’s performance during the 2023 ODI World Cup was excellent. He played 11 matches and took 20 wickets at an average of under 19 and an economy rate of 4.06. His ability to take wickets with the new ball and control the game at different stages makes him extremely valuable to India.
He said, “Bumrah’s workload management is going to be very important ahead of the World Cup. He is India’s uncut diamond. Having Bumrah is India’s only chance of winning the World Cup.”
“Looking at the rest of the bowlers, India have no chance without him. Apart from Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj can contribute a lot on South African wickets.”