The 35-year-old fast bowler is once again on the selectors’ radar after months of conjecture regarding his form, fitness, and future. The 2027 ODI World Cup has now become a clear benchmark for his possible comeback. A BCCI source told NDTV that Shami’s domestic performances are being “closely tracked” and that a recall is no longer out of the question.
Mohammed Shami is frequently mentioned. He is still relevant. His fitness is the main thing to worry about. He is the kind of bowler who will take wickets. Saying that he is no longer on the selection radar is incorrect. For the New Zealand One-Day series, he appears to be in fine shape. Given his experience and ability to take wickets at will, don’t be shocked if he is selected. The World Cup in 2027 is even a possibility.
Even though he finished the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025 as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps, this is a big change in tone for a man who hasn’t played for India since. His most recent Test match was in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023, although his most recent ODI was against New Zealand in that competition.
Shami’s stats have kept the discussion going, which is one of the main reasons his case has refused to go away. In his last six games—three in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and three in the Vijay Hazare Trophy—he has claimed 17 wickets. He took 20 wickets in just four Ranji Trophy games this season, demonstrating that his striking prowess is still intact.
His continuing exclusion has also been questioned by former Indian cricket players. Shami’s exclusion from recent ODI selections, especially when senior quicks Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were rested, shocked Mohammad Kaif in public. Given his track record in high-pressure competitions, Shami’s absence was more noticeable as India experimented with their pace.
But skill has never been the problem. Fitness has been the focus.
Since the 2023 World Cup, Shami has struggled with recurrent ankle and knee ailments, requiring lengthy rehabilitation periods and surgery that interfered with his availability and rhythm. Shami insisted he was well enough to play, citing his availability for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, but this ambiguity has been at the heart of the selectors’ caution.
When Shami publicly mocked the selection panel earlier this year after being passed up for India’s white-ball tour of Australia, that animosity became public. He maintained that if he was already playing domestic cricket, it was not his duty to keep selectors informed about his fitness.
At the NDTV World Summit 2025 in October, Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, addressed the comments in a calm but forceful manner.
“He has been an incredible performer for India,” Agarkar remarked. “Maybe I should talk to him or he should talk to me about what he said. But even before England, we said that he would have been on that plane if he was fit. Sadly, he wasn’t.
Agarkar emphasized that the selectors had been keen to bring Shami back, even during the tour of Australia, but those preparations were continually put on hold due to fitness issues.
“Our domestic season has just started, so we will see if he is fit enough,” he stated. “The Ranji games are currently in their first round. In a few more games, we’ll find out. Why wouldn’t you want someone like Shami if he is bowling well?
It seems like that remark is now being put into practice. The selectors’ position is changing as a result of Shami’s consistent bowling and results. There is a strong possibility of a return to the ODI team, possibly as early as the home series against New Zealand.
For Shami, the path back is still harsh and conditional. In a system that is becoming more and more focused on workload management, he needs to maintain form, stay in shape, and outlast younger competitors. However, the door that was formerly securely closed is now open.
Furthermore, the appeal of a proven wicket-taker who excels on the greatest stage would still be too great for an India team looking ahead to 2027.
