Mohammed Shami: A Crucial Asset for India's 2027 ODI World Cup Plans

Shami's Ongoing Wait for National Recall

Despite showcasing impressive form in domestic cricket, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is still awaiting a call-up to the national team. His remarkable wicket-taking skills, experience in high-stakes matches, and success overseas make a compelling argument for his inclusion in India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Recent Exclusions from the National Squad

Shami has been overlooked for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, which kicks off on January 11. Since his participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, he has not played in Tests or ODIs. Initially, he was excluded from the England Test tour due to fitness issues, and subsequently, he was not selected for the Test series against the West Indies or the ODI series against Australia and South Africa. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that Shami's omission was not due to a lack of talent but rather his insufficient competitive play and ongoing fitness recovery, leading to some heated discussions between the two.

Importance of Shami in India's World Cup Strategy

As Team India gears up for the 2027 World Cup, starting with a three-match series against New Zealand, it's essential to consider why Mohammed Shami should be part of the strategy. He has been a cornerstone of India's pace attack long before Jasprit Bumrah's debut, consistently providing breakthroughs across formats. In ODIs, Shami has been a leading wicket-taker, especially in critical moments, excelling with the new ball and during the death overs.

Impressive Domestic Performance

After being sidelined post-Champions Trophy 2025, Shami returned to domestic cricket, demonstrating his pace, skill, and determination to reclaim his position. In the current domestic season, he has taken 51 wickets in 18 matches across various formats, including the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Notably, he was the top wicket-taker for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, claiming 15 wickets at an average of 24.53.

Shami's Track Record in ICC Tournaments

Shami's performance in ICC tournaments is a critical factor that selectors cannot overlook. In the last three ODI World Cups (2015, 2019, and 2023), he took over 14 wickets in each, showcasing his consistency and impact. In the 2023 World Cup, he emerged as India's leading bowler with 24 wickets. Overall, he has claimed 55 wickets in World Cup matches, including four five-wicket hauls, at an impressive average of 13.52.

Need for Experience in the Pace Attack

In the past year, Team India has experimented with various pace combinations, often rotating Shami with younger bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. This highlights the necessity for experience and balance within the bowling lineup. Following Shami's exclusion from the squad for the ODI series against Australia and South Africa, selectors opted for a younger pace attack, lacking a seasoned bowler.

Shami's Adaptability in Diverse Conditions

Mohammed Shami has proven his ability to excel in various conditions, particularly overseas, utilizing seam and reverse swing effectively. He has taken 119 wickets in 62 matches outside India, with an average of 23.43, making him one of the most reliable fast bowlers in foreign conditions. His adaptability is crucial, especially with the 2027 World Cup set to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where his skills on bouncy pitches will be invaluable.