Indian Cricket Veteran Writes Off Mohammed Shami’s World Cup Chances Amidst Ongoing Drama
Dinesh Karthik doesn’t believe that Mohammed Shami will get a chance to play in the World Cup in 2027.
The biggest question that plagues the Indian cricket community right now is whether Mohammed Shami would get the call for the 2027 World Cup. Shami has been one of the finest pacers in Indian cricket. His performances in the previous tournaments and his ability to lead his team’s bowling attack in the IPL are unparalleled. Even though the Indian team is focusing on youngsters currently, veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have the backing of the BCCI to play the upcoming World Cup.
That’s not the case for Mohammed Shami, however. Somehow, he is forgotten by the team management, citing age concerns and fitness. But if players who are older than him get a chance to prove themselves and have one last dance for the national team, then why not Shami? India doesn’t have many ODI matchups left before the 2027 World Cup. The bilateral series with the West Indies was one of the last chances for the Shami to show prowess. Yet, once again, he was sidelined and not even considered for the team.
The team doesn’t seem to need Mohammed Shami’s pace anymore
Dinesh Karthik has played for the Indian team long enough to know its ways. In the ever-changing landscape of the Indian cricket team, staying relevant is very difficult. Shami doesn’t have the stardom or fame to back up his claims over the spot in the World Cup squad. The fans like him but not enough to be crazy without his appearance in the tournament. As unfair as it sounds, he is no Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. Sham is replaceable in the team.
Karthik had the same idea when he talked about Shami’s chances in a recent interview. “I will say no, there are other pacers that are getting the opportunity now. The Indian team has moved beyond him. There is no point in going back. So, I wouldn't be looking at Shami even though he has bowled really well.”
Now, this might not be the wisest decision for the Indian team. The recent ODI matchup against the West Indies gave a youngster a lot of thrashing on the flat pitches. They need a senior presence to guide them. They need a bowler like Shami to teach them the ropes of using their pace. The team management might have thought of a strategy, but for now, it doesn’t sound fulfilling enough.
