Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has received a clear-cut roadmap for a national team comeback from former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan: go to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and create "havoc." This advice comes in the wake of Shami's surprising omission from India's ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, despite Jasprit Bumrah being rested.
Selection Snub Despite Domestic Dominance
The decision by the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee to overlook Shami has raised eyebrows. The committee opted for fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh instead. This snub is particularly notable given Shami's strong performances in the ongoing domestic season for Bengal, where he has been a consistent wicket-taker.
Irfan Pathan, the only bowler to take a Test hat-trick in the first over, expressed his disagreement with the selectors' call. He emphasized that the IPL platform could be Shami's ultimate proving ground. "If I were him, I would go and play the IPL and create havoc. I would take the new ball and perform," Pathan stated on his YouTube channel.
IPL: The Global Stage for Redemption
Pathan argued that while domestic performances are noted, the IPL's global audience makes it an unparalleled stage for reclaiming a spot. "Domestic cricket performances are discussed, but when the IPL comes and you show your old rhythm and fitness, then no one can ignore you. The whole world watches the IPL. If you perform there, you make your place in the squad again. I believe his doors should not be closed," he added.
Shami's recent track record presents a mixed bag. After a stellar performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, taking nine wickets on flat Dubai tracks, he had a below-par IPL 2025 season for Sunrisers Hyderabad, managing only 6 wickets in 9 matches before an injury cut his campaign short. However, he bounced back emphatically in domestic cricket.
Fitness Questions and a Stellar Season
The selectors' reservations appear to hinge on fitness, a point previously raised by chief selector Agarkar. Last year, Agarkar indicated Shami would have been on the England tour if fit. Pathan countered this by highlighting Shami's immense workload this season as proof of his physical readiness.
"Shami has already bowled 200 overs. After bowling 200 overs, if fitness is the question, then fitness has already been shown. What more improvement is needed, only the selection committee knows what they are thinking," Irfan remarked.
The numbers strongly support Pathan's argument. In the current domestic season, Mohammed Shami has taken 44 wickets across formats – 20 in the Ranji Trophy, 16 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and 8 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has bowled a total of 205.9 overs (145.2 in Ranji, 26.5 in SMAT, 34.2 in VHT) for Bengal, demonstrating both endurance and wicket-taking ability.
With a fresh IPL chapter ahead, having been bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹10 crore in the IPL 2026 auction after his release from Sunrisers Hyderabad, Shami now has the perfect opportunity to follow Irfan Pathan's advice and storm his way back into national contention.
