“Mohammed Shami has not played a lot of cricket. In the last two-three years, I think he’s played one match for Bengal and one match in the Duleep Trophy,” Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said last year.
Since that remark, Mohammed Shami has answered with strong performances on the field. The right-arm pacer has played seven matches in the Ranji Trophy so far and bowled more than 200 overs. In the recent Ranji Trophy semi-final against Jammu and Kashmir, Shami picked up an impressive and career-best eight-wicket haul. His spell has reignited calls from fans who want to see him back in the Indian team.
It is not only in red-ball cricket that Shami has made an impact. He has been a true workhorse for Bengal across formats in the recent past. In seven matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he bowled 60 overs and claimed 15 wickets. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he played seven matches, bowled 27 overs, and took 16 wickets.
An 8️⃣-wicket masterpiece 🫡
Watch 🎥
Mohd. Shami wreaks havoc with his career-best First Class figures of 8/90 🔥
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/QXyCuRIgVM#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/f4F3TYnSWi
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 17, 2026
Why are the selectors remaining silent?
Mohammed Shami who last played for India in March in 2025, has been delivering consistent performances in domestic cricket. More importantly, he has been bowling a high number of overs regularly, which clearly shows that he is fully fit and match-ready.
Speaking to reporters in October last year, Shami made his position clear, “I have said this before. Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal. I think I do not need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-overs cricket.”
His statement underlined a simple point — if he is fit enough to play long four-day matches in the Ranji Trophy, then he is fit enough to play One-Day Internationals as well.
Despite his steady performances, questions remain. Is the selection committee not considering him in their long-term plans? The bigger question is: why?
J & K conceded 26 runs to Bengal. Mohammad Shami 8 for 90. What else does Ajit Agarkar and his colleagues want him to do ?
— Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) February 17, 2026
It is true that Team India currently has many fast-bowling options. The management may want to invest in younger players and prepare them for the future. With several promising pacers coming through the ranks, competition for places is very strong.
However, looking ahead to the ODI World Cup 2027, which will be held in South Africa, experience could play a crucial role. Shami would be around 37 by then. South African conditions are known to assist pace bowlers, and someone with Shami’s skill and experience could be valuable.
Based purely on his recent performances and proven fitness, the team management can certainly keep him in their plans for the future. Moreover, with Jasprit Bumrah also having dealt with injuries in the past, managing the workload of India’s fast bowlers becomes very important. In such a situation, having Shami in the squad would make strong sense. His presence would allow the team management to rotate pacers smartly and avoid putting too much pressure on one bowler.
Shami’s record in ODI World Cups further strengthens his case. In just 18 matches, he has taken 55 wickets at an outstanding average of 13.5.
All boxes ticked
From strong performances to full fitness and the ability to bowl long spells, Shami has ticked every box. He has not just returned to the field — he has proved himself again through consistent displays in domestic cricket.
Earlier, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said, “He will need to play something.” Since that statement, Shami has done exactly that. He has played regularly, delivered impressive performances, and put in the hard work required to show he is match-ready. He has bowled long spells, handled pressure situations, and stayed fit throughout.
Given all this, the calls from fans and experts for his return to the national side are completely justified. His experience, form, and fitness make a strong case for selection.
Shami can return for the Afghanistan series at home in June 2026 where the two sides will play one Test and three ODIS followed by the tour of England, where India will play five T20Is and three ODIs. It would be a good opportunity for Shami to return to international cricket and once again prove his value on the big stage.
