After the ICC ODI World Cup 2026 schedule was announced recently, the focus has shifted towards the Indian team squad combination. The Indian team will need to find a strong mix of experience and youth. One of the most discussed things in India’s squad is fast bowlers, given that Men in Blue need a good contingent in South Africa.
And in focus are whether Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami are still in contention. The veteran pacers have not found it easy to make a comeback into the Indian ODI side, and we take a look at 3 reasons why they will not be part of the ODI World Cup 2027 squad.
Here are the 3 reasons why Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami will not be a part of the ODI World Cup 2027 squad:
3. Intense competition for pacer spots
The Indian team currently has intense competition for the four pacer slots for the ODI World Cup 2027 squad. Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj are more or less likely to be on the plane to South Africa. Then there are other options like Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi and many more. With selectors likely to pick pacers more on current form and fitness, it seems Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami will miss the flight for the ODI World Cup next year.
2. Age and recent absence from ODIs
Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are both 36 years old. Both have been injury-prone throughout their careers and have had several setbacks due to those. Bhuvneshwar Kumar last played ODIs for India in 2022, and Mohammed Shami played in 2025, and neither has been in plans of selectors in recent times. Even when India didn’t have Bumrah and Siraj available, selectors went for other options instead of recalling the two veteran pacers.
1. India has moved on towards younger pacers.
The BCCI selectors are now more focused on trying out young pacers who are more likely to serve the Indian team. Hence, you have seen Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav being given more chances in international cricket to prepare them to assist Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. Bhuvneshwar and Shami’s age and poor fitness records are a hindrance to their going to the 2026 ODI World Cup.
