Wasim Jaffer calls for Mohammed Shami’s return as India’s World Cup plans take shape

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian team has reignited the debate around experienced fast bowlers, and former India batter Wasim Jaffer believes Mohammed Shami should be the next name back in the squad.
Jaffer wants Shami considered particularly for the Test side, but also sees the veteran pacer as an important option for India’s ODI plans with the 2027 World Cup approaching.
“Shami should be picked, especially in the Test team,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
Shami returned to domestic cricket in late 2024 after a lengthy injury lay-off and has remained among the wickets since. During the 2025-26 season, the Bengal pacer took 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches, followed by 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy games and 16 in seven Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy appearances.
He also made an immediate impact in the 2026-27 season, claiming seven wickets for East Zone in their Duleep Trophy victory.
Jaffer believes another Test opportunity should now be considered for Shami, whose last appearance for India came during the 2025 Champions Trophy.
“I would like to see Shami make a comeback in Tests. I have been looking forward to it for a long time. My focus will be on Shami and Auqib Nabi whenever the team is announced. If Shami is neglected here, I feel the door will be closed on him,” he said.
The former opener also questioned India’s current pace-bowling combination in ODIs. India have experimented with Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Mohammed Siraj has not featured consistently. Hardik Pandya’s availability as a bowling option also remains uncertain.
“I don’t understand who your second and third seamers are. Hardik is not ready too. According to me, Shami should be in the ODI team, given that the World Cup is also very near,” Jaffer said.
For Jaffer, India’s answer could lie in experience rather than immediately rebuilding the attack. He wants Jasprit Bumrah, Shami and Siraj to form the preferred pace trio for the World Cup.
“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 the World Cup,” he said.
Shami’s record at the 2023 ODI World Cup showed what he can offer on the biggest stage. He finished the tournament with 24 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls, and was India’s leading wicket-taker.
With Bhuvneshwar’s return showing that experience can still earn a place in India’s plans, Shami now finds himself at another potential crossroads. For Jaffer, the message is clear: India should not move away from proven performers before the World Cup.