Mohammed Shami’s omission from the BCCI central contract did not surprise many. To be eligible for a central contract, a player needs to play at least one international game in the last 12 months. Shami last played for India in the Champions Trophy in March last year.
However, what is surprising is that the selectors continue to ignore him. Shami has proven his ability across all domestic formats. He has been leading Bengal’s fast bowling unit this season. He has taken 28 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. He also performed well in white-ball cricket. He took 16 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 15 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
In contrast, other bowlers have not matched his numbers. Mohammed Siraj, who was called in as a replacement for the T20 World Cup, took seven wickets in four Syed Mushtaq Ali games and seven in three Vijay Hazare games. Jasprit Bumrah did not play any domestic games. Harshit Rana played just two Vijay Hazare games and took five wickets.
Whenever selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar addressed the media, questions about Shami’s omission came up. Shami had been India’s highest wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy. He took nine wickets in five matches. Despite this, he never played for India again. Agarkar’s response was mostly “I have no updates.”
Reports claimed that Shami refused to fly to England for the Test series last July. The selectors wanted him as Bumrah could not play more than three Tests. Shami reportedly said he needed to build his workload and should not be considered. He never confirmed this, and the selectors never denied it.
In October, an emotional Shami hit out at the selectors. He said it was not his job to keep them updated about his fitness. Selector R.P. Singh was seen talking to him at Eden Gardens and later in Kalyani. But nothing came out in the open. Shami continued to be omitted.
Shami has delivered more than 190 overs across 11 innings for Bengal this season. He has proven he can bowl longer spells and stay on the field for a full four-day game. India has a busy schedule in 2026. The selectors need to decide whether to give him another chance.
Mohammed Shami Still Has a Case for India Return
Mohammed Shami has been out of international action for nearly 17 months. His last appearance for India was in the Champions Trophy final on March 9, 2025. India won that match.
Despite his absence, Shami has been performing well in domestic cricket. He took 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy games last season. He followed that with 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare matches. Despite this, BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have not called him back.
Shami’s old coach Mohammed Badruddin has spoken about his determination. He said Shami has shed five kilos since last season. He is grinding harder than ever. Badruddin believes Shami’s experience could be valuable for India, especially with the ODI World Cup in South Africa next year. Fast bowlers often succeed there.
Shami dominated the 2023 World Cup. He led the wicket charts with 24 wickets in just seven matches. Badruddin said Shami still has cricket left in him. He is ready to serve if the country needs him.
Badruddin pointed out that India’s fast bowling in England fell short. He said a bowler like Shami, who knows how to use seamer-friendly conditions, could have made a difference. South Africa’s pitches are quick and unforgiving. They require more than just speed. Bowlers need composure, guile, and grit. Shami has all of that.
The ODI World Cup is less than 14 months away. Shami has to stay fit and keep performing in domestic cricket. The path back is tough. Indian cricket has many talented young pacers. But Shami has never taken the easy route.
Zaheer Khan Backs Mohammed Shami for 2027 World Cup Return
Former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan has commented on Mohammed Shami’s availability for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He said that if Shami keeps playing domestic cricket, it means he is making himself available for the tournament.
Shami last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy. He has been out of the national setup since then. Despite strong performances for Bengal in domestic cricket, he has been overlooked by the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar.
Last year, Shami and Agarkar had a public disagreement. Shami was overlooked for the West Indies Tests. Agarkar said Shami was not selected because he was not fit. Shami hit back after returning to action for Bengal. He said it was not his responsibility to provide fitness clearance to the selectors.
Zaheer said Shami has to continue doing what is in his hands. If he is playing, it means he is available for the World Cup. He added that he is not sure how the team management views Shami. Shami has to focus on what he can control.
Zaheer said Shami still has cricket left in him. He is ready to serve if the country needs him. He added that bowling in South Africa is not easy. Experience is important there. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa.
FAQs
Q. How many wickets did Shami take in the Champions Trophy?
A. Shami took nine wickets in five matches.
Q. How many Ranji Trophy wickets did Shami take?
A. Shami took 28 wickets for Bengal this season.
Q. What did Zaheer Khan say about Shami?
A. Zaheer said Shami still has cricket left in him.
Q. Could Shami play at the 2027 ODI World Cup?
A. Yes. His domestic performances could keep him in contention.
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