As the Indian cricket team sets its sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup, a key question looms: Does Mohammed Shami, the veteran fast bowler, have the miles left in him for another trophy hunt? At 35 years old, Shami's recent form and fitness have been under intense scrutiny, making his potential inclusion a subject of much debate.
Shami's journey has been a rollercoaster. After suffering an ankle injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup, he faced a challenging comeback, even expressing doubts about representing India again. His last ODI appearance was in March 2025 during the Champions Trophy. However, Shami's determination and passion for representing his country have driven him to overcome these obstacles.
Despite a quiet IPL 2025 season, where he managed only 6 wickets in 9 matches, Shami has clarified that he has fully recovered from his long-standing injury and is focused on performing at his best. Selectors have emphasized the need for Shami to prove his fitness and rhythm in domestic cricket before considering him for international selection again.
In response, Shami has been putting in significant work behind the scenes, participating in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His efforts have not gone unnoticed. A recent report suggests that the BCCI is closely monitoring Shami's performances, with the 2027 World Cup in mind. A BCCI source stated that Shami is "being discussed on a regular basis" and is "not out of reckoning," with fitness being the primary concern.
Shami's recent domestic form has been encouraging. He has taken 17 wickets in his last six matches, including the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he picked up eight wickets in four matches, playing a key role in Bengal's victories. Furthermore, Shami bowled over 200 overs across formats for Bengal, showcasing his increasing workload capacity.
However, questions about his age and fitness persist. Some argue that his age (35) might be a deterrent, considering the 2027 World Cup. Concerns about his recurring ankle and knee injuries since the 2023 World Cup have also been raised.
The upcoming ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026 could be a crucial opportunity for Shami to prove his mettle. With senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah potentially being rested, Shami could find a place in the squad if he clears the fitness benchmarks. India's 2026 ODI schedule includes home series against New Zealand, Afghanistan, and West Indies, as well as a tour of England, providing ample opportunities to test Shami's form and fitness.
Shami's experience and ability to take wickets, especially in the middle overs, remain valuable assets. His previous performances in major tournaments, such as the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, highlight his potential impact. If Shami can maintain his fitness and perform consistently throughout 2026, there is no reason why he shouldn't be on the plane to South Africa for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
