National cricket teams are already in full preparation mode for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Teams are set to converge in three African co-host countries to deliver some of cricket’s best moments to teeming fans.

Preparations for such high-stakes tournaments always birth surprise conversations, and there’s a hot topic concerning Indian bowler Mohammed Shami currently gaining traction.

Reports suggest that the 35-year-old Mohammed Shami could be in contention for a place at next year’s ODI World Cup. The veteran bowler is actively positioning to be a part of Team India’s contingent to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027.

Did the BCCI Make a U-Turn from Its Youth-First Policy?

A massive shake-up occurred across all Team India Men’s teams that saw several veteran cricketers retire. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Selection Committee favoured younger talents over established players, particularly after the appointment of current head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Young players as leaders, older players forced out

Younger players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer were handed leadership positions across formats in the national team setup. Older players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Sanju Samson, and Karun Nair also lost stable positions within the national team during these squad changes.

Some veterans like Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma retired from some or all international formats during this shake-up.

Older players eyeing ODI WC 2027 call-ups long before tournament

Recent developments continue to baffle analysts after several older players have expressed desire to play for India again in recent months. Oddly, all three players who seek a chance at international cricket are eyeing ODI slots. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are yet to retire from 50-over internationals after expressing their desire to play at the ODI World Cup 2027.

Shami’s recent stance increases the list of established veterans who seek to play for India at the next 50-over international showpiece.

Why Will Shami Make a Great Squad Pick for the 2027 ODI WC?

Shami making the 2027 ODI WC squad alongside Jasprit Bumrah would be an exciting pairing for most cricket fans. Both cricketers have immense chemistry as bowling line leaders against top teams. A Shami-Bumrah pair could be what Team India needs to assert their dominance on the 50-over international phase.

Bumrah is one of the world’s best pace bowlers across formats and can deliver unorthodox swings when necessary. His rich pitch variation and smart application of bowling skills will ease Shami’s consistent hitting abilities during games.

Shami and Bumrah once made a 10-match winning streak possible. The duo could replicate this feat in style with another chance at a World Cup pairing.

Why Will Shami Fail to Make the 2027 ODI WC Squad?

Age

Younger players with above-par bowling qualities are available in Team India’s reserves. The selection committee could decide to turn down Shami’s request to play for India at the WC next year and pick a younger cricketer.

Options

Mohammed Shami’s potential return to an ODI WC will not be without competition. The cricketer must now contend with talented pacer Harshit Rana and players with a similar profile for a WC call-up. Rana delivers impressive bowling power and batting support for his team’s lower- order.

India’s Probable 15-Member Squad for ODI World Cup 2027

Openers: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal

Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK)

All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya (VC), Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy

Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh

Spinner: Kuldeep Yadav

Mohammed Shami’s Performance in Last 10 ODI/Domestic Matches

Shami has been in decent form across List A and First-Class matches since December. The star pacer bagged 9 wickets in 8 days during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 season before clinching 11 wickets in two matches at the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 against Railways and Assam.

Shami’s composure under pressure and ability to turn results in his team’s favour are qualities most selections would admire.