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Former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan has said that although he isn’t sure how the team management views Mohammed Shami, if the latter keeps playing in the domestic circuit, it means he is making himself available for the ODI World Cup next year.
Shami last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy and has remained out of the national setup since. Despite delivering strong performances for Bengal in domestic cricket, Shami has continued to be overlooked by the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar.
Last year, Shami and Agarkar were involved in a public war of words after the pacer was overlooked for the West Indies Tests. Agarkar said that Shami wasn’t selected because he wasn’t fit, but the pacer soon returned to action for Bengal and hit
back, stating that it wasn’t his responsibility to provide the selectors with a fitness clearance.
“He has to continue doing what is in his hands. It is up to him to decide how he wants to go ahead. If he is playing, it means he is available for the 2027 ODI World Cup,” Zaheer said while speaking to Vimal Kumar.
“That is how I see it, but I am not sure how the team management is looking at him. He has to just look at how he can contribute and do what is within his control,” Zaheer added.
The senior pacer, who was India’s leading wicket-taker at the 2023 ODI World Cup, has been a key performer for Bengal in domestic cricket. Shami claimed 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy games last season and followed it up with 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
“He still has cricket left. He is ready and if the country needs him, he will be ready to serve. It isn’t easy to bowl in South Africa. You need experience there,” Zaheer said.
