Zaheer Khan explains why India should pick Mohammed Shami for ODI World Cup 2027

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The countdown to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 has already begun, with cricket fans eagerly looking forward to another global spectacle. The tournament is scheduled to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, giving teams a challenging assignment in conditions that could test their pace-bowling resources. India will be among the teams expected to enter the competition with strong title ambitions, and the selection of the right bowling attack will be one of the major talking points in the build-up to the tournament.

With the World Cup still some time away, India have several fast-bowling options competing for places. However, former India pacer Zaheer Khan believes experience should not be overlooked, particularly when it comes to Mohammed Shami.

Shami has established himself as one of India’s most dependable fast bowlers across formats. Although injuries and fitness issues have disrupted his recent run, his record in major international tournaments continues to make him a strong candidate for the 2027 World Cup squad. Zaheer feels Shami’s performances are good enough to keep him firmly in contention. The former India pacer believes a bowler of Shami’s quality deserves to be considered if he is available for selection.

“When someone performs this well, he should definitely be in Team India’s scheme of things. He should play the World Cup and be part of the team,” Zaheer was quoted as saying by myKhel.

Zaheer also pointed towards the conditions India are likely to encounter in South Africa. He believes the presence of an experienced campaigner could give India’s pace attack an additional edge during the tournament.

“If Mohammed Shami is fit and available, India should take an experienced bowler like him to South Africa,” he added.

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There is plenty of statistical evidence behind Zaheer’s backing of Shami. The right-arm pacer has consistently been among India’s most effective wicket-takers in ODI cricket, particularly when playing on the biggest stages.

His 2023 ODI World Cup campaign remains one of the clearest examples of his impact. Shami finished the tournament with 24 wickets, despite not playing India’s first four matches. Once he entered the XI, he immediately became a major threat with the ball and repeatedly broke partnerships at crucial moments.

His ability to generate movement with the new ball, attack the stumps and return for important spells later in the innings makes him a valuable ODI bowler. He has also demonstrated that he can handle pressure when the stakes are at their highest.

For India, the attraction of Shami is therefore not simply his wicket-taking numbers. It is also his understanding of high-pressure matches and his ability to adapt his approach according to the situation.

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