Irfan Pathan: Mohammed Shami’s Doors to Team India Still Open
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Mohammed Shami can still make a comeback to the national team, despite being left out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11. Shami last played for India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and has been out of the squad since. Pathan highlighted Shami’s experience and record as reasons why selectors should keep him in contention.
“Shami is not someone who played a few matches and disappeared. He has taken 450–500 international wickets. Fitness concerns come up for everyone, but you have to keep proving yourself,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
Pathan suggested that a strong performance in IPL 2026 could help Shami force his way back into the team. “He has bowled 200 overs, proving his fitness. If I were him, I’d take the new ball in IPL and perform at a level no one can ignore. IPL is watched worldwide; performing there can reopen doors for the national team,” he added.
Since being dropped, Shami has bowled over 200 overs across the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy, picking up 47 wickets. In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, he leads Bengal’s wickets tally with 15 from seven matches at an average of 14.93 and an economy of 8.90.
Shami will also play the remainder of the Ranji Trophy season before featuring for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, where he was bought for Rs 10 crore.
Comments are closed.