The world of Indian cricket is abuzz with a single name that refuses to fade into the sunset of Mohammed Shami. At 35, a time when many fast bowlers consider hanging up their boots, Shami is doing the opposite, he is kicking the door down for a spectacular comeback.
After months of whispers about his fitness and age, the narrative has shifted. Recent reports suggest that the BCCI is not just monitoring Shami; they are actively weaving him into the long-term blueprint for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Destination of 2027 ODI World Cup
For Shami, the journey back to the blue jersey hasn’t been easy. He has been sidelined since the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025, where he reminded everyone of his lethal accuracy by finishing as India’s joint-most successful bowler. Since then, a combination of workload management and injury recovery kept him out of the spotlight but never out of form.
The current plan suggests a phased return. The first milestone? The ODI series against New Zealand, set to kick off on January 11th. If Shami proves his fitness in the heat of international battle there, the path to the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia becomes a realistic goal rather than a distant dream.
Domestic Dominance: Letting the Ball Talk
While the selectors were looking elsewhere, Shami went back to the roots of the game. He didn’t just play domestic cricket; he dominated it. His recent statistics read like a warning to batsmen across the country. In Ranji Trophy, A staggering 20 wickets in just four matches.
17 wickets in his last six limited-overs domestic appearances (Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies). This ‘domestic grind’ has been Shami’s way of proving that his legendary seam position is as upright as ever.
The Selection Controversy: ‘It’s Not My Job to Inform’
Shami’s road back hasn’t been without its share of tension. Earlier this year, the veteran pacer publicly voiced his frustration over being ignored for the tour of Australia. In a blunt statement that echoed through the halls of the BCCI, Shami remarked that if he is actively taking wickets in domestic cricket, it shouldn’t be his responsibility to keep calling selectors to “update” them on his fitness.
Former greats like Mohammad Kaif have also backed the pacer, questioning why a bowler of Shami’s tournament-winning pedigree was overlooked while senior partners like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were rested.
Why India Needs Shami
As India experiments with younger talents, Shami provides a “safety net” of pure skill and experience. A bowler of Shami’s caliber will always get wickets. The only concern is fitness,’ a BCCI source recently noted.
With the 2027 World Cup looming as his final peak, the ‘Sultan of Seam’ is making it clear: he isn’t just looking for a farewell tour; he’s looking to lead the attack one last time.