‘Doors will close if Mohammed Shami is neglected’: former India star’s message to Team India selectors

Mohammed Shami (Photo AFP) NEW DELHI: Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian team after a four-year gap has raised the possibility of another veteran pacer returning to the line-up.Former India batsman Wasim Jaffer believes Mohammed Shami deserves this opportunity, especially in Test cricket. Shami has produced strong performances since returning from a long injury layoff and has remained among the wickets across formats.“Shami should be picked, especially in the Test team,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.

Shami continues to impress in domestic cricket

Shami returned to domestic cricket in late 2024 after spending a long time on the sidelines due to injury. He had an even stronger 2025-26 season across formats.The Bengal pacer took 37 wickets in seven matches to help his team reach the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy. He followed that up with 15 wickets in seven matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 16 wickets in seven matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Shami also got off to a great start to the 2026-27 season, taking seven wickets for East Zone in a Duleep Trophy win after 14 years.Jaffer now wants to see the veteran pacer back in the Indian Test side.“I would like to see Shami return to Tests. I have been looking forward to it for a long time. I will focus on Shami and Auqib Nabi whenever the squad is announced. If Shami is neglected here, I feel the door will be closed to him.”

Jaffer wants Shami in ODI plans

Jaffer also questioned India’s speed-bowling combination with the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup.India have tried several options in recent times, but Jaffer believes the team is yet to settle on a second and third navies.“I don’t know about the ODI squad because we have tried many players like Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy there, but I don’t think the management still has that confidence. You are not giving Siraj game time consistently. I don’t understand who your second and third seamers are. Hardik is not ready. I think the O, Shami World Cup squad should be too.

‘My first choice would be Bumrah, Shami and Siraj’

Jaffer believes India should rely on their experienced fast bowlers for the World Cup rather than embarking on a complete overhaul ahead of the tournament.“When you have that quality you should play him. My first choice would be Bumrah, Shami and Siraj and I will think about rebuilding after