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Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has shared his view on Mohammed Shami's chances of playing in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Mohammed Shami has not played for India since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, but he has continued to perform well for Bengal in domestic cricket across formats.
Zaheer feels that Shami continuing to play domestic cricket shows that he is still keeping himself available for India, but he is not sure what the current team management thinks about his future. Amid this, Kagiso Rabada recalls Wasim Akram's 1992 World Cup heroics, reveals dream for 2027 World Cup.
Zaheer Khan wants Mohammed Shami to focus on his cricket
The former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan feels Mohammed Shami should focus on the things he can control, which means staying fit, playing matches, and taking wickets.
Shami also has huge international experience. He was India's highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup and played an important role in India's journey to the final.
Zaheer Khan told the senior journalist Vimal Kumar, as quoted by News18: “He has to continue doing what is in his hands. It is up to him to decide how he wants to go ahead. If he is playing, it means he is available for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
That is how I see it, but I am not sure how the team management is looking at him. He has to just look at how he can contribute and do what is within his control.”
South Africa conditions could suit Mohammed Shami
The former Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants coach believes that Shami still has cricket left in him, and experience could also be really useful in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
South African conditions can help the experienced Shami. The ball can move in the air and off the pitch, especially when the conditions are right.
Zaheer feels Shami's experience could be useful in such conditions, and the Bengal star also knows how to handle pressure in big tournaments. Amid this, Ian Healy criticises Allan Border Medal ceremony after Travis Head's win.
Zaheer added, “He still has cricket left. He is ready, and if the country needs him, he will be ready to serve. It isn’t easy to bowl in South Africa. You need experience there.”
Mohammed Shami still hopes for India comeback
Shami last played for India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Since then, the fast bowler has been out of the national team. But he has continued to play domestic matches and has been impressive across the formats.
In the last Ranji Trophy season, Shami took 37 wickets in seven matches for Bengal. He then picked up 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. These performances show that Shami is still working hard and wants to stay ready if he is recalled for the international assignment.
Mohammed Shami had a disagreement with Ajit Agarkar
Shami's return to the India national cricket team has been blocked because of the off-field controversy. Last year, Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar said Shami was not selected for the West Indies Test series because of fitness concerns.
Shami later returned to the field for Bengal and reacted strongly to the issue. He made it clear that he did not feel it was his job to give the selectors a separate fitness certificate when he was already playing competitive cricket. The disagreement became a talking point in Indian cricket.
