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The countdown to the ICC Men\u2019s Cricket World Cup 2027<\/strong><\/a> has already begun, with cricket fans eagerly looking forward to another global spectacle. The tournament is scheduled to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe<\/strong> and Namibia<\/strong>, giving teams a challenging assignment in conditions that could test their pace-bowling resources. India<\/strong> will be among the teams expected to enter the competition with strong title ambitions, and the selection of the right bowling attack will be one of the major talking points in the build-up to the tournament.<\/p>\n With the World Cup still some time away, India have several fast-bowling options competing for places. However, former India pacer Zaheer Khan<\/strong> believes experience should not be overlooked, particularly when it comes to Mohammed Shami<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Shami has established himself as one of India\u2019s most dependable fast bowlers across formats. Although injuries and fitness issues have disrupted his recent run, his record in major international tournaments continues to make him a strong candidate for the 2027 World Cup squad. Zaheer feels Shami\u2019s performances are good enough to keep him firmly in contention. The former India pacer believes a bowler of Shami\u2019s quality deserves to be considered if he is available for selection.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen someone performs this well, he should definitely be in Team India\u2019s scheme of things. He should play the World Cup and be part of the team,\u201d<\/em> Zaheer was quoted as saying by myKhel.<\/p>\n Zaheer also pointed towards the conditions India are likely to encounter in South Africa. He believes the presence of an experienced campaigner could give India\u2019s pace attack an additional edge during the tournament.<\/p>\n \u201cIf Mohammed Shami is fit and available, India should take an experienced bowler like him to South Africa,\u201d<\/em> he added.<\/p>\n Also READ: MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli? Mohammed Shami names his favourite India captain<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n There is plenty of statistical evidence behind Zaheer\u2019s backing of Shami. The right-arm pacer has consistently been among India\u2019s most effective wicket-takers in ODI cricket, particularly when playing on the biggest stages.<\/p>\n His 2023 ODI World Cup campaign remains one of the clearest examples of his impact. Shami finished the tournament with 24 wickets, despite not playing India\u2019s first four matches. Once he entered the XI, he immediately became a major threat with the ball and repeatedly broke partnerships at crucial moments.<\/p>\n His ability to generate movement with the new ball, attack the stumps and return for important spells later in the innings makes him a valuable ODI bowler. He has also demonstrated that he can handle pressure when the stakes are at their highest.<\/p>\n For India, the attraction of Shami is therefore not simply his wicket-taking numbers. It is also his understanding of high-pressure matches and his ability to adapt his approach according to the situation.<\/p>\nZaheer Khan backs Mohammed Shami for ODI World Cup 2027<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Shami\u2019s numbers strengthen Zaheer\u2019s argument<\/strong><\/h2>\n