Zaheer Khan has urged Mohammed Shami to keep playing and performing as the experienced fast bowler continues to wait for another opportunity with the India team. Shami has not played a Test for India since 2023, and the report says his name has not been featuring in selection discussions despite his domestic-cricket performances.
The situation carries added relevance as India begin preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup and assess their fast-bowling options amid fitness concerns within the squad. Jasprit Bumrah is among the players mentioned in connection with injury concerns, while Shami remains outside the current national-team picture.
Zaheer Khan’s message for Mohammed Shami
Speaking to the Times of India, former India fast bowler Zaheer said Shami’s focus should remain on the factors within his control. Zaheer acknowledged that the team’s current thinking may be different, but stressed that a player who continues to take the field and perform remains available for consideration.
“It is your decision, the way you want to move forward. If you are playing matches and performing well, you remain available. I see things that way,” Zaheer said.
He added that Shami should continue doing what he is already doing: playing competitive matches. Zaheer’s point was that selection is ultimately outside a player’s direct control, while match fitness, availability and performances are areas a player can continue to manage.
“The team’s thinking is different, but your way of thinking is important. If you want to contribute, it is your decision,” Zaheer said. “As a player, you should do what Shami is doing. He is playing. As you said, he is playing matches. That is important.”
Shami’s absence is notable because India are looking ahead to a major 50-over cycle leading into the 2027 World Cup. The source says the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee does not currently appear keen to bring the veteran pacer back, even as the side deals with a growing number of injury instances.
There is no indication in the report of an immediate recall or a specified route back into the squad. Instead, Zaheer’s comments frame the issue around sustained participation and performance, with Shami’s continued domestic involvement keeping him in a position to contribute if circumstances change.
Injuries remain part of India’s planning
Zaheer was also asked about the wider injury list around the Indian team. Along with Bumrah, the report mentions Washington Sundar, B Sai Sudharsan, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya in the context of fitness struggles.
For Zaheer, injuries are an unavoidable part of a player’s career, rather than something that can be addressed with a single broad solution. He said workload management can be discussed, but the timing of events and the underlying cause of each issue also need to be understood.
“Injuries are part and parcel of the game. They are part and parcel of every individual’s journey,” Zaheer said. “You can talk about workload management, but you also need to understand the timing of events.”
He added that when a fast bowler suffers an injury or experiences a difficult period, controlling the available factors is crucial. Zaheer said it is difficult to move forward without understanding the root cause.
For Shami, the immediate message from one of India’s former leading fast bowlers is straightforward: keep playing, keep performing and remain ready. While India’s selectors currently appear to have other priorities, continued availability gives Shami a path to remain in contention as the team’s plans develop.
