India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup are already taking shape, but one name that refuses to disappear from the discussion is Mohammed Shami. The experienced fast bowler was not part of India’s ODI squad for the recent England series. Instead, the selectors went with Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar.
That decision has led to plenty of debate over whether India should bring Shami back into the ODI picture before the World Cup. Former India pacer Zaheer Khan believes the door should not be closed on Shami. Speaking on Cricbuzz Live Hindi after India’s England ODI series, Zaheer discussed whether Shami and Mohammed Siraj still have a place in India’s ODI plans. His view was clear: they may not be the first names on the team sheet right now, but their experience still makes them serious options for 2027.
Zaheer Khan’s View on Mohammed Shami
Zaheer Khan has not said that Shami should be selected blindly. His recent comments suggest something more practical: Shami and Siraj may not currently be India’s first choices, but neither should be written off for the 2027 World Cup.
That is probably the fairest way to look at Shami’s situation. If he stays fit, keeps producing wickets and shows that his body can handle the demands of 50-over cricket, India would have a very strong reason to consider him. And when the World Cup moves to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027, having a bowler who has already delivered on the biggest stage could turn out to be worth far more than simply having another promising young fast bowler in the squad.
Why Shami’s Experience Matters
The 2027 World Cup will be played across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. South Africa will host the bulk of the tournament, while matches will also be staged in the other two countries.
For a fast bowler, South Africa is a very different challenge from playing a World Cup entirely in Indian conditions.
The pitches can offer pace, bounce and movement, particularly when there is something in the surface for the seamers. That makes experience valuable. A bowler needs to know when to attack the stumps, when to hit the deck and when to change his pace or angle. Shami has spent years dealing with those situations.
He has also played a major role in India’s recent World Cup campaigns. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, he finished with 24 wickets in just seven matches, including a remarkable seven-wicket haul against New Zealand in the semi-final. He ended the tournament as India’s leading wicket-taker. That kind of record is difficult to ignore when the next 50-over World Cup will again be played in conditions where fast bowling could have a major say.
Shami Has Not Stopped Performing
Another reason why Shami remains in the conversation is that he has continued to produce results away from the Indian team. He returned to domestic cricket after his long injury lay-off and made an immediate impact for Bengal. In the opening two matches of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, he picked up 15 wickets, including a five-wicket haul. He eventually finished that early phase among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers.
By December 2025, reports had Shami at 36 wickets across domestic competitions that season, with his performances in red-ball and white-ball cricket putting him back in the conversation for national selection. He also showed that he could still contribute at the highest franchise level in 2026. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants, Shami took 12 wickets in 13 IPL matches.
India’s Current Attack Still Has Questions
India’s recent ODI squad shows the direction the selectors are taking. Bumrah remains the biggest name, while Prasidh, Harshit, Arshdeep and Gurnoor have been given opportunities alongside him.
There is nothing wrong with giving younger bowlers chances. In fact, India needs to know who can handle pressure before the 2027 tournament arrives. The concern is what happens if the younger group does not develop as quickly as expected. That is where Shami becomes interesting.
He does not need to play every bilateral series from now until 2027. India could manage his workload, give him selected ODI assignments and judge him against the bowlers already in the system.
Shami Could Bring More Than Just Wickets
Shami has been through several World Cups, major ICC tournaments and difficult overseas tours. He knows what it feels like to bowl with a semi-final or final hanging in the balance.
He was also part of India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign in 2025, taking nine wickets, which made him India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
