Well, truth be told, one of the most heartening recent reminders about Mohd Shami that one as a fan of Indian Cricket could get was when none other than ace commentator and such an astute observer of the game,
Ravi Shastri happened to reflect upon the near perfect One day international squad for the fast approaching World Cup. Now, you might be tempted to ask as to what was so special and interesting about Ravi Shastri picking his ideal ODI World Cup squad of India and shami?
To that end, it’s important to know that while much do the current administrators responsible for handling and selecting the teams for Indian cricket may have concerned themselves so less with a certain Mohd Shami, one man really didn’t ignore him from his thoughts and conscience.
And that was Ravi Shastri. While the 64-year-old former cricketer and a World Cup winner did pick the likes of Bumrah, Siraj, Kohli, Sharma, Gill among the others in crafting his near-perfect World Cup squad for the mega ICC event for 2027, he also did pick Mohd Shami.
And that is precisely where the great Shastri reminds us of the wonders that the great Shami can still provide in the highest annals of the sport for Indian Cricket.
Ever since the last 24-30 months, while much of Indian cricket has sort of moved on and stuck to several young guns where it comes to the eminent white ball arena, according to many greats, M. Shami is still a handy opponent that can challenge India’s rivals with the white ball.
A redoubtable star for India in white ball format
After all, it’s important to also reflect on the very fact that while much of Shami in the last one and a half years has been confined to playing domestic cricket where his performances are rather impressive, his continued efforts towards maintaining top fitness beckoned the big important question- pointing to the fact that he should still be considered for the World Cup next year.
Yes, at age of 35, he’s nowhere near the avid youngster that he was a decade back in the day or even when during the 2019 period, for instance, he was able to perform the duties you’d expect of a fast bowling mainstay but his record on its own merits greater introspection than given at present.
Compelling and serious numbers
With 206 one day wickets from just 108 games at a bowling average that is less than 25, Shami can be considered a fast bowling great for India in white ball cricket.
Moreover, besides appearing anything but rusty and featuring frequently among the wickets in the IPL 2026 season, his wonderful and committed spell as seen in the second semi final of the Ranji Trophy 2026 campaign does renew the focus towards the searing and tireless fast bowler that the right arm pacer is. His 8 for 90 against J&K for his Bengal side was a spell of passion, purpose and commitment.
*Hopeful of the future ahead? * With 377 first class wickets, Shami has been sublime and sturdy with the ball. Discipline to maintain his rhythm and consistency with the ball being key strengths. Can he deliver the goods for India even today, it’s anybody’s guess. The only question is, will he be given a chance. Knowing him, the uncomplicated cricketer is preparing for the mega World Cup lying up ahead next year.
