What does Mohammed Shami need to do to earn his place back in the Indian team? Since 2025, this question has resurfaced almost every time the selectors have met to pick a squad for an upcoming series or tour. And despite his performances, the answer remains elusive.
The Indian pacer last represented the national team at the Champions Trophy in 2025, where he finished as one of the tournament’s joint-highest wicket-takers. Yet, a strong showing on the international stage and impressive performances in domestic cricket have not been enough to secure his return.
Shami made a compelling case for himself in the Ranji Trophy, claiming 37 wickets in seven appearances for Bengal at an average of 16.72. He also registered three five-wicket hauls, underlining his ability to deliver consistently in red-ball cricket.
Despite those numbers, the selection committee under Ajit Agarkar remained unconvinced, with questions lingering over the pacer’s fitness and match readiness. Shami, however, pushed back against those concerns, maintaining that he was fit and ready to perform.
The change in selection leadership did little to alter his fortunes. When the squads for the New Zealand tour and the T20I series were announced, Shami was overlooked once again. This time, however, the return of another experienced campaigner caught everyone’s attention.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was back in the selection conversation.
With the Uttar Pradesh pacer returning to the national setup, the debate over Shami’s continued absence gathered momentum. What more does he need to do to earn a recall?
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun believes the answer is simple: nothing.
In an exclusive interaction with India Today, during a virtual session organised by Sony Sports Network, Arun backed Shami’s credentials and argued that the pacer’s international record should speak for itself.
“Well, to answer what Shami should be doing, I don’t think Shami needs to prove himself. You either pick him on form or you don’t. That’s, that’s going to be the case of Mohammed Shami. Shami does not need to prove what he can do to be picked into the Indian team. He’s proved enough across all formats,” said Arun to India Today’s query.
Shami has wasted little time making his case in the new domestic season either. He began the latest Ranji Trophy campaign with four wickets in Bengal’s first innings against Delhi, providing another reminder of what he can offer.
Watch India tour of New Zealand live and exclusive on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV starting October 22, 2026.
BHUVI’S FITNESS THE BIG QUESTION
While Shami continues to wait for his opportunity, Bhuvneshwar’s return has opened up another debate: could the experienced swing bowler feature in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup?
During the interaction, Arun was asked about former India spinner R Ashwin’s suggestion that Bhuvneshwar could make the World Cup squad and share the bowling workload with Jasprit Bumrah.
Bhuvneshwar’s recent IPL record certainly strengthens his case. The 36-year-old claimed 17 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025 before adding 28 more in the 2026 season. His 45 wickets across the two campaigns played a significant role in RCB’s back-to-back IPL title wins, demonstrating that he continues to be a potent force in T20 cricket.
However, Arun believes it would be premature to look too far ahead. For him, Bhuvneshwar’s immediate performances and ability to maintain his fitness over an extended period will determine whether he can remain in contention for the World Cup.
“As far as Bhuvneshwar Kumar goes, I wouldn’t be thinking too far ahead. Yes, he’s been picked on form. He’s a fantastic bowler, as everybody knows. Everyone knows what he’s capable of. And it’s how he fares right now that’s really going to matter.”
Arun stressed that the biggest challenge would be ensuring Bhuvneshwar remains fit and available throughout the demanding period leading up to the 2027 World Cup. Rather than getting caught up in long-term projections, he believes India’s immediate focus should be on the upcoming New Zealand tour.
“To me, it is how fit he’s going to be to play continuously over the next one and a half years to be eligible for the World Cup. But right now, I would look at only things under my nose. New Zealand Tour is the biggest test, and I’d look at it, and before I decide on what we’re going to do with the rest,” said Arun.
India’s T20I series against New Zealand begins on October 22.
– Ends
