Irfan Pathan savagely targets Jasprit Bumrah, names Mohammed Shami's permanent replacement

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has opined that Mohammed Siraj should be part of more games for India in ODIs with a view to the 2027 World Cup spot, replacing fast-bowling veteran star Mohammed Shami.

Since the previous World Cup in 2023, Mohammed Shami has played just 6 matches for India in the 50-over format, and Siraj, on the other hand, has a mounting workload and was rested from limited-overs cricket for some time. Not only did Irfan Pathan mention a Shami replacement, but he also slammed Jasprit Bumrah's lack of gametime for India.

Irfan Pathan picks Mohammad Shami's substitute in the Indian ODI side

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan has now opined that Mohammed Siraj should be used regularly to start the innings for India with the new white ball. Siraj has evolved into a great red-ball bowler and would soon take the white-ball format as well, replacing former pacer Mohammed Shami.

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The former star believes that among the youngsters, Siraj is the only legit senior bowler and can replace Mohammed Shami's legacy in the Indian team.

"Mohammed Siraj is now a senior bowler; he comes into that category now. Sure, he is brilliant in Tests, but if he is a regular new-ball bowler in ODIs, then we can expect him to take on Mohammad Shami's role in the 2027 World Cup."

"We need atleast three good, quality, solid, fast bowlers in South Africa, and Bumrah picks and chooses games, and has not played a single ODI since the 2023 ODI World Cup Final, so we need to keep other bowlers ready in case there is an injury," Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Mohammed Shami has been snubbed repeatedly despite stupendous performances

Shami has 55 wickets in just 18 50-over ICC matches in such tournaments, and he averages pretty well for India. However, after the Champions Trophy in 2025, Shami was snubbed first due to injury, then due to his problems within the family, and now due to participation in the matches.

However, he is yet to give up, and the Indian veteran feels that they could make it back to the team if he can prove his fitness and ability to strike at crucial junctures for the team, which he has done efficiently in domestic contests like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal.

However, despite all efforts, Mohammed Shami has not been able to catch the attention of the selectors.

"One of the three frontline pacers might have to make way for Kuldeep Yadav," said Irfan Pathan

Team India has rested Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming series against New Zealand, as the ace pacer would now be used wisely ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. Bumrah would play a major role in India's title defence in the home World Cup.

"One of the three frontline pacers might have to make way for Kuldeep Yadav, and I think it will be one of Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh, because India already have batting till No. 8. India are solid favorites in this series, so I hope that they don't win 2-1, but instead get a 3-0 result," Irfan Pathan said.

The New Zealand series begins on the 11th of January in Vadodara, where Indian pacers would be prioritised, like Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh, who are all part of the same squad against New Zealand alongside Mohammed Siraj.

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