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He last played for India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and has been kept out of the team since then. Pathan said Shami can still stage a comeback to the Indian team.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that Mohammed Shami still has a chance to play for the national team in international cricket. The veteran pacer was once again ignored by the selectors despite his magnificent performances in domestic cricket. According to reports, Shami was in line for a return, but the decision-makers proved all the chatters wrong. He was not given a chance for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11.
He last played for India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and has been kept out of the team since then. Pathan said Shami can still stage a comeback to the Indian team.
“What does the future hold for Mohammed Shami? He is not new to the system and has taken around 450-500 international wickets, which is a huge number. Getting dropped despite taking more than 400 wickets and questioning fitness is something which happens to everyone. You will have to prove yourself as long as you play cricket,” Pathan said.
Pathan urged Shami to perform in the Indian Premier League 2026. “Shami has already bowled 200 overs and has shown that he is fit. Only the selection committee knows what they are thinking about him. If I were him, I would create havoc in the IPL. I would perform with the new ball. Domestic cricket performances are important, but when you show your class and fitness in IPL, no one can ignore you. The world watches the IPL. If you perform in the league, you get your place back in the national team. The doors are not closed for him,” he added.
Shami has taken 47 wickets across the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy after getting dropped. In the ongoing 50-over domestic competition, Shami has taken 15 wickets from seven matches at an average of 14.93. Shami will play for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2026.