'If Shami is neglected, door will be closed': Ex-India star warns selectors

Mohammed Shami (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian team after a four-year gap has raised the possibility of another experienced pacer making his way back into the squad.Former India batter Wasim Jaffer believes Mohammed Shami deserves that opportunity, particularly in Test cricket.

Shami has produced strong performances since returning from a long injury lay-off 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 period on the sidelines due to injury. He had an even stronger 2025-26 season across formats.The Bengal pacer claimed 37 wickets in seven matches to help his team reach the Ranji Trophy semi-finals.

He followed that up with 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy matches and 16 wickets in seven Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games.Shami also made a strong start to the 2026-27 season, taking seven wickets for East Zone in their Duleep Trophy victory after 14 years.Jaffer now wants to see the experienced pacer back in the Indian Test side.“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.”

Jaffer wants Shami in ODI plans

Jaffer also questioned India’s pace-bowling combination with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching.India have tried several options in recent times, but Jaffer feels the team is yet to settle on its second and third seamers.

"I don't know about the ODI team 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 too. According to me, Shami should be in the ODI team, given that the World Cup is also very near,” he said.

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

Jaffer believes India should trust its experienced fast bowlers for the World Cup rather than begin a complete rebuild before 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