Is the door to ICC World Cup 2027 still open for Mohammed Shami?

In a career defined by grit, comebacks and relentless wicket-taking, Mohammed Shami finds himself fighting a familiar battle, this time against time, fitness, and fading assumptions. The 35-year-old fast bowler, once considered to be drifting out of contention, is now being closely monitored by Indian selectors, with the 2027 ODI World Cup emerging as a realistic long-term reference point.

According to sources, Shami’s domestic performances are being tracked closely, and a return to the national side is no longer a distant prospect. Selectors believe that a bowler of Shami’s calibre remains a genuine wicket-taking option, provided fitness concerns are addressed. His name is reportedly being discussed regularly, with even the upcoming home ODI series against New Zealand viewed as a possible comeback window.

Shami’s absence from international cricket since the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025 has not dulled his impact. He finished that tournament as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets. Since then, his domestic returns have strengthened his case,17 wickets in his last six limited-overs matches and 20 wickets in just four Ranji Trophy games this season underline that his skill remains intact.

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Fitness, the Only Roadblock

The persistent concern has never been ability, but fitness. Shami has battled recurring ankle and knee injuries since the 2023 World Cup, undergoing surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. That uncertainty prompted caution from selectors, despite Shami’s insistence that his regular appearances for Bengal signalled readiness.

A Public Exchange and a Clear Message

The debate spilled into the open earlier this year when Shami questioned his omission from India’s Australia tour. Selector Ajit Agarkar later clarified that Shami was always in contention, but fitness repeatedly halted his return. With the domestic season underway, Agarkar stressed that consistent bowling would change the equation.

With form rediscovered and selectors watching closely, Shami’s international future is once again alive. The path back remains demanding, but as India plan for 2027, the value of a proven big-match wicket-taker could yet prove irresistible.