Ex-India Star Urges Selectors to Recall Mohammed Shami for ODI World Cup
Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has urged national selectors to include experienced pacer Mohammed Shami in both the ODI and Test setups, highlighting concerns over India's pace-bowling depth ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa. Jaffer's remarks follow the surprise recall of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand after a four-year absence.
At the 2023 ODI World Cup, Mohammed Shami sat out the first four games before entering the team following Hardik Pandya's injury and taking 7/57 against New Zealand in the semifinal, the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in ODI World Cup history.
Wasim Jaffer stated that if selectors neglect Mohammed Shami for the upcoming Test series selection, the door will effectively be closed on his international comeback.
While praising Bhuvneshwar's return following strong domestic and Indian Premier League performances with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Jaffer questioned the current lack of clarity surrounding India's second and third seamers. Pointing to recent bilateral matches where the pace attack appeared flat in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Jaffer emphasized the necessity of balancing youth with proven international experience.
Domestic Form and International Omission
Shami has continued to put up rigorous performances in domestic cricket following his recovery from injury. During the 2025-26 domestic season, the Bengal fast bowler claimed 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches, followed by consistent wicket-taking spells in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali trophies, alongside a seven-wicket haul for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy.
Despite these returns, Shami has remained absent from India's white-ball squads since the victorious 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai. Former selector Ajit Agarkar previously cited fitness management as the reason for his omission, but analysts argue that his proven ability on global stages remains unmatched.
Shaping the Pace Attack for 2027
Jaffer stressed that the team management should prioritize established quality over immediate rebuilding efforts with unproven youngsters as the World Cup approaches. Citing the struggles of alternative seamers tested in recent ODI fixtures, he advocated for a frontline pace trio comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj.
Former pacer Rishi Dhawan echoed similar sentiments regarding Bumrah's indispensable role across formats while supporting Shami's potential reintegration. With bilateral series against New Zealand set to commence in late October, selectors face mounting pressure to finalize a reliable bowling combination capable of delivering under pressure in global tournaments.
Why a recall argument is not a selection decision
A former player's recommendation to select Mohammed Shami may reopen debate, but it has no formal authority over the national squad. Selection depends on fitness, recent match workload, team balance, conditions and the limited positions available. ODI preparation also differs from a player's reputation in Tests or T20 cricket. Readers should separate the pundit's view from an announcement by the selection committee. A confirmed squad, medical clearance and actual match selection are the meaningful milestones ahead of the World Cup.