Bhuvi is back, Shami next? The former chief selector is eyeing India’s comeback
Former India chief selector MSK Prasad has backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the T20I squad, pointing to the veteran pacer’s impressive record in the Indian Premier League while strongly backing Mohammed Shami to return to the Indian Test and ODI squads.
Bhuvneshwar’s recall for India’s upcoming T20I series against New Zealand was announced on October 6, a day before Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of the selection committee ended.
Asked about the timing of the decision, Prasad declined to speculate but said the selection was deserved.
“I don’t know about the timing, but I think it’s a great inclusion. Because someone who has 72 wickets in the last three to four editions of the IPL, he really deserves to be there,” Prasad told IndiaToday.in.
Bhuvneshwar’s recent IPL numbers offer a compelling case. The 36-year-old took 17 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025 before taking 28 in the 2026 season, taking his tally to 45 over two campaigns. His performances helped RCB secure back-to-back IPL titles, underscoring his value in the shortest format. Bhuvneshwar’s key stints for RCB in the IPL was a big reason for his return to Indian colours. (Photo: Reuters)
The right-arm seamer last played for India in November 2022 in a T20I against New Zealand. His return to the squad for the five-match series marks an opportunity to revive an international career that appeared to be over.
However, Prasad was less confident about Bhuvneshwar’s prospects in the 50-over format, suggesting that his immediate value lies in T20 cricket.
“I don’t know Bhuvi in the ODI format but he will stick to the T20 format. He can still play for the class he has,” Prasad said.
SHAMI FOR ODI WORLD CUP?
While welcoming Bhuvneshwara’s appeal, Prasad also wants the selectors consider Shami for upcoming assignments. The Bengal fast bowler opened the new Ranji Trophy season with a four-wicket haul against Delhi in 17.3 overs as a reminder of his ability to play in red-ball cricket.
Shami’s future in the national team remains uncertain due to questions over his fitness and workload. But Prasad believes his record of three ODI World Cups, in 2015, 2019 and 2023, and his continued performances warrant another opportunity. Will Shami’s return help India’s bowling, especially ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup? (Photo: PTI)
India have struggled without experience whenever Jasprit Bumrah has been away and Bhuvneshwar’s return should cover that area of concern for New Zealand.
“Someone like Shami, who has been your best player in 2015, 2019, 2023 and is still going strong, I would like to see him in the New Zealand series. I would like to see him in the India series against Australia as well,” he said.
India’s tour of New Zealand in all formats provides immediate context for this appeal. While the T20I squad has been announced, the ODI and Test squads are yet to be named. A recall would give Shami a chance to settle again ahead of India’s home Test series against Australia in early 2027.
Prasad believes selectors should not wait until a big series is around the corner to evaluate experienced players.
“If you have to do it, you should start giving them opportunities from now on,” he said.
For Shami, the Ranji Trophy remains an opportunity to prove his readiness with the ball. Whether that will translate into an international recall will become clearer when the selectors pick their squads for New Zealand.
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