Despite his extended absence from international cricket, ace pacer Mohammed Shami‘s comeback to India’s ODI squad is still very much a possibility. Fitness is the only obstacle preventing the seasoned fast bowler from making a possible comeback, according to a BCCI insider. Shami’s name is still frequently brought up in selection talks because of the upcoming New Zealand ODI series and the 2027 World Cup.
Due to persistent knee and ankle problems, Shami has missed over a year of action for India since his previous appearance in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. A public conversation with top selector Ajit Agarkar, who had claimed that the pacer was not reaching the necessary fitness standards, brought attention to his absence even more.
But according to reports, tensions have subsided, and Shami’s steady domestic performances have made selectors reconsider their choice. A BCCI insider claims that Shami is still very much in the running for selection and is frequently discussed.
“Shami is regularly discussed and is not unaccounted for.
His fitness is the only thing that worries me. He is the kind of bowler who will take wickets. Saying that he is no longer on the radar for selection is incorrect. He appears healthy for the One-Day series in New Zealand. Given his experience and ability to take wickets whenever he wants, don’t be shocked if he is selected. According to a BCCI official who spoke to NDTV, even the 2027 World Cup could happen.
He has been India’s top bowler in the last two ODI World Cups. Following a stellar 2023 domestic campaign in which he finished as the best wicket-taker with 24 wickets from seven matches at an average of 10.71, he took 14 wickets in only four matches during the 2019 World Cup at an average of 13.79.
Shami, meanwhile, has claimed 20 wickets in four Ranji Trophy games this season and 17 in his last six appearances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He has taken eight wickets in four games in the current Vijay Hazare Trophy alone, and he has been instrumental in Bengal’s three victories.
In order for Shami to restore rhythm and fitness, selectors had previously requested that he play some cricket. Since then, the 35-year-old has bowled more than 200 overs for Bengal in a variety of formats, making it harder to doubt his workload.
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