Mohammed Shami India Comeback: 2027 ODI World Cup Hopes

Mohammed Shami has not given up on his hopes of returning to the Indian cricket team, with his coach Badruddin Siddique revealing that the veteran fast bowler remains highly motivated to prove himself ahead of the new season.

The 35-year-old pacer has continued to work hard on his fitness and match readiness while representing Bengal across domestic competitions. Despite his efforts, Shami has remained outside India’s current plans, particularly in Test cricket.

However, his coach believes the experienced seamer could still have an important role to play for India, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup scheduled to be played in South Africa.

Mohammed Shami Remains Determined to Make India Comeback

Shami’s immediate international future remains uncertain, but there appears to be no shortage of motivation from the veteran fast bowler.

His coach Badruddin Siddique told India Today that Shami is in a positive frame of mind and is preparing himself for another opportunity with the national side if the selectors decide to recall him.

“Shami’s mood is positive. He is quite motivated for the next season,” Badruddin Siddique said.

Shami’s continued performances in domestic cricket have been an indication that he still wants to remain involved at the highest level. His experience could become particularly valuable if India encounter further problems with their pace-bowling resources.

Why Shami’s Experience Could Matter at 2027 World Cup

The 2027 ODI World Cup will be played in South Africa, a country where fast bowlers are expected to receive significant assistance from the conditions. Siddique believes Shami’s knowledge and experience could make him a valuable option for India.

He also pointed towards India’s bowling struggles during the recent ODI series in England, arguing that Shami could have offered the team an experienced pace option.

“India did not bowl well in England, where the fast bowlers get a lot of help. Shami could have been really useful there. It is not easy to bowl in South Africa. You need experience there,” Siddique said.

For a bowler who has already performed successfully in major ICC tournaments, Shami’s experience could become an important factor when India eventually finalise their plans for the 2027 World Cup.

Shami Left Out of India’s Sri Lanka Test Squad

Shami was not selected for India’s upcoming two-Test assignment in Sri Lanka. The omission came amid questions about whether the veteran pacer can consistently handle the workload required in red-ball cricket.

India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar has previously indicated that Shami’s current fitness level makes him more suitable for T20 cricket than the demands of Test cricket.

That does not necessarily rule him out of India’s plans in white-ball cricket. The 50-over format could provide Shami with a more realistic route back into the national team, particularly if he continues to demonstrate his fitness and effectiveness in domestic cricket.

Shami’s Champions Trophy 2025 Performance

Shami remains one of India’s most experienced fast bowlers in major international tournaments. He played an important role during India’s successful ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

The right-arm pacer claimed nine wickets in five matches, finishing as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament alongside spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.

Shami’s best performance came against Bangladesh in the group stage, when he produced outstanding figures of 5/53.

His ability to deliver wickets with the new ball and provide breakthroughs during crucial phases remains one of his biggest strengths. Those qualities could make him an attractive option if India decide that experience is required for the 2027 World Cup.

Can Mohammed Shami Force His Way Back Into India’s ODI Team?

Shami’s comeback will ultimately depend on his fitness, workload management and performances in domestic cricket. At 35, the selectors will also have to balance his experience against the need to build India’s next generation of fast bowlers.

However, Shami’s coach remains confident that the veteran has the motivation required to continue competing for an India return.

With the 2027 World Cup still ahead, Shami has time to demonstrate that he can remain effective in 50-over cricket. His international experience, particularly in ICC tournaments and challenging overseas conditions, could strengthen his case if he maintains his fitness.

Mohammed Shami’s Road to the 2027 World Cup

• Shami remains motivated to make another India comeback.
• His coach Badruddin Siddique says the pacer is preparing for the next season.
• The veteran fast bowler has continued playing domestic cricket for Bengal.
• He was not selected for India’s upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka.
• His strongest potential route back could be through India’s ODI setup.
• Shami took nine wickets during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 triumph.
• His experience could be valuable in South African conditions at the 2027 ODI World Cup.

FAQs

Is Mohammed Shami still trying to return to the Indian team?

Yes. Shami’s coach Badruddin Siddique has said that the pacer remains motivated and is preparing himself for another opportunity with India.

Can Mohammed Shami play in the 2027 ODI World Cup?

It remains uncertain, but his coach believes Shami’s experience could make him useful for India in South Africa if he maintains his fitness and earns a recall.

Why was Mohammed Shami not selected for India’s Sri Lanka Tests?

Questions remain over his ability to handle the workload of Test cricket. India’s selectors have indicated that he is currently better suited to shorter formats.

How many wickets did Mohammed Shami take in the Champions Trophy 2025?

Shami claimed nine wickets in five matches during India’s successful Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

Why could Shami be important in South Africa?

Shami’s international experience and ability to exploit pace-friendly conditions could make him a valuable option for India in the 2027 ODI World Cup.