Mohammed Shami’s chances of returning to India’s ODI team appear to be getting slimmer, according to former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik. While Shami continues to perform well in domestic cricket, Dinesh Karthik believes India should look ahead rather than bring the experienced pacer back into the national setup and he also believes that India has already moved on.
Mohammed Shami last played for India during the 2025 Champions Trophy, returning to international cricket after a long period of injuries. However, after the tournament, then-chief selector Ajit Agarkar had concerns about his fitness and decided to move in a different direction.
India subsequently backed younger pacers, including Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar, as part of their bowling plans. Mohammed Shami has continued to make a strong case for himself with consistent performances in domestic cricket. However, he has remained outside India’s plans. Calls for his return become louder whenever the team struggles.
The latest example came on Sunday, when India failed to defend a massive 351-run target against the West Indies at home. Following that defeat, there were renewed demands for Mohammed Shami, and even Bhuvneshwar Kumar, to be considered for a comeback.
However, Dinesh Karthik does not believe Mohammed Shami should be brought back. Speaking on a show, he said India has already moved past the veteran pacer and should focus on the other options available. He acknowledged that Shami has bowled very well but felt there was little reason to go back to him when the team has already moved ahead.
In Mohammed Shami’s absence, Harshit Rana has emerged as the leading partner for India’s established pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. India will now hope Harshit Rana can stay fit and continue developing his role in the attack. Arshdeep Singh could also challenge Siraj for the second pacer’s position. Meanwhile, Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna could compete for the role of a different type of bowler — a hit-the-deck pacer who could be particularly important during the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
Dinesh Karthik was also asked whether ODI cricket could decline after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire. Both the players have indicated that the 2027 World Cup is their final major target in the format.
Dinesh Karthik agreed that their eventual departure could have an impact. He pointed out that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two of the biggest names in cricket and that India plays a central role in global cricket. Losing two players of their stature, he believes, would naturally affect the popularity and importance of ODI cricket.
Do you also feel that there is no chance of Mohammed Shami’s return?
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