Former BCCI chief selector Kris Srikkanth slammed the India team management for ignoring veteran fast bowler Mohammad Shami across formats.

Srikkanth was recently asked about India’s fast bowling prospects for the 2027 ODI World Cup and he expressed surprise over Shami’s continual snub from the national side.

Shami, 35, was the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 scalps to his name. However, the right-arm quick has been completely sidelined ever since the Champions Trophy 2025 and despite doing well in domestic cricket, he was not considered for selection.

"Prince Yadav is also a good bowler, along with Gurnoor Brar and Mohsin Khan. These three should not be written off. They could make the World Cup squad as 15 months is still a long way off. But Shami was an outstanding bowler. I am surprised the management has turned him into a nobody," Srikkanth said on Star Sports.

According to Srikkanth, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial for the team's chances in the quadrennial event next year.

"Workload management of Bumrah is going to be very important heading into the World Cup. He is India's uncut diamond. Bumrah being there is India's only chance of winning the World Cup. Without him, India has no chance, looking at the rest of the bowlers. Apart from him, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj can contribute a lot on South African wickets."

Srikkanth raised serious concerns over Arshdeep Singh's capabilities in the 50-over format, arguing that the left-arm pacer’s reliance on early movement makes him ineffective once the ball stops swinging after the opening overs.

"Arshdeep Singh is not fit for the 50-over format. The ball doesn't swing after two overs and he's proficient only when there is movement. Even in T20 cricket in England, he bowls an impressive first over. But after 1.1 overs, the batters absolutely tear him apart to all corners of the ground. So he shouldn't be considered for ODIs," the former India captain remarked.