Will Shami return to Team India? BCCI’s thinking changed after excellent performance in domestic cricket
Mumbai The selectors of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) can take a big U-turn regarding Mohammed Shami. Amid long-running speculations about his fitness, form and future, the 35-year-old fast bowler is once again on the radar of the selectors. The 2027 ODI World Cup now seems to be an important reference point for his possible comeback.
A BCCI source indicated that Shami’s performance in domestic cricket is being closely monitored. According to the source, Shami is no longer out of the race for selection and his name in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand will not be a surprise. The selectors believe that bowlers of this level know how to take wickets, the real concern is only about fitness.
Shami’s case is not over because his statistics continue to speak in his favor. He has taken 17 wickets in six recent home matches, including the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Even in the current season of Ranji Trophy, he proved that his edge is still intact by taking 20 wickets in just four matches.
The biggest hurdle in Shami’s path has always been fitness. Since the 2023 World Cup, he has had to battle repeated ankle and knee injuries. Surgery and a long rehab broke his consistency, keeping the selectors cautious. However, Shami has many times claimed that he is fit and proved it by playing domestic cricket for Bengal.
Earlier this year, Shami had publicly taunted the selectors for being left out of the Australia tour. On this, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar gave a balanced response and said that if Shami had been completely fit, he would definitely have been with the team. Agarkar also made it clear that his performance and fitness in the domestic season is being constantly monitored.
Now the situation seems to be changing. Shami is bowling regularly and taking wickets. The stance of the selectors is softening and his return from the home ODI series against New Zealand is considered possible. For Team India, which is preparing for the 2027 World Cup, the importance of a reliable wicket-taker in big tournaments is not hidden from anyone.
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