Shami hasn't played an international match for India since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final.
Former wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has advised the BCCI selectors against recalling Mohammad Shami into the ODI setup, stating that the Indian team has already moved beyond the veteran pacer.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik noted that even though Shami continues to bowl exceptionally well in domestic matches, the Indian team management should maintain its focus on transitioning to its younger crop of fast bowlers ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Shami hasn't played an international match for India since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, whose tenure concluded on October 4, routinely opted out of selecting the right-arm quick citing concerns over his fitness for longer formats.
Even though Agarkar is departing and Shami has delivered strong performances in domestic cricket for Bengal, Karthik believes the team's directional shift is permanent and not merely tied to the chief selector's personal preferences.
While many fans and pundits have called for Shami's return after tough bowling outings, like India’s recent struggle to defend 351 against the West Indies, Karthik remains firm that returning to the past will only stunt the growth of India's future bowling core.
“No, I feel there are other pacers," Karthik said when asked about Shami’s place in the ODI squad. “India moved beyond him. There’s no point in going back. So I wouldn’t be looking at Shami, even though he’s bowled very well," he added.
In Shami’s absence, the Indian think tank has chosen to give extended runs to younger prospects like Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is also in the selection mix.
For the ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, hit-the-deck fast bowling options would be crucial alongside seasoned campaigners like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
On a separate note, Karthik highlighted how the eventual retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could significantly impact the ODI format's popularity, given India's massive influence on the global cricket market.
Already retired from T20Is and Tests, both batting stalwarts have indicated that the 2027 ODI World Cup is their final target.
“Yes, because they’re two of the biggest names, and India being at the epicentre of where world cricket is, if we lose two of the best cricketers, it is going to have an effect," Karthik remarked.