Mohammed Shami ‘Not Out of Reckoning’ as BCCI Eyes Comeback With 2027 World Cup in Focus: Report

Mohammed Shami may have slipped out of India’s selection plans across formats in recent months, with concerns raised over his form and fitness, but he is not out of contention yet, according to a fresh report. With India expected to shift focus to ODI cricket after the 2026 T20 World Cup concludes in March, the senior pacer could still make a return.

Citing a BCCI source, an NDTV report said Shami’s performances in domestic cricket are being closely monitored and that his name continues to be discussed by the selectors.

“Mohammed Shami is being discussed on a regular basis. He is not out of reckoning. The only concern is about his fitness. A bowler of his calibre will always get wickets. It is wrong to say he is out of the selection radar,” the source said. “He is looking good for the New Zealand One-Day series. Do not be surprised if he is picked, given his experience and ability to take wickets at will. Even the 2027 World Cup is a possibility.”

Shami last represented India during the Champions Trophy earlier this year, where he claimed nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the opening match. Since then, however, he has been absent from the national setup, with differing accounts emerging over the reasons behind his omission.

Media reports had suggested that Shami was in contention for the Test tour of England, but doubts were raised about his confidence in his fitness. His absence from the subsequent home Test series against the West Indies and the white-ball tour of Australia prompted a public response from the 35-year-old, who insisted he was fully fit and cited his performances in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Those remarks led to a public exchange, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar responding to Shami’s claims.

If the report holds true, the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand could offer Shami a route back into the side, especially with Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested as part of workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup, now just weeks away.