Navdeep Saini Advocates India Team Recall for Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Indian fast bowler Navdeep Saini has publicly supported veteran pacers Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, stating that their persistent displays in domestic and franchise cricket warrant a recall to the national squad.
What Happened
In an interview with India TV, Delhi and Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Navdeep Saini highlighted the challenges of sustaining elite performance in the Ranji Trophy and the Indian Premier League (IPL) while remaining outside the Indian national side. Saini, who was part of the squad that secured the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, observed that both Shami and Bhuvneshwar have maintained top-tier form and deserve opportunities with the national team.
Currently, both senior bowlers remain omitted from the national roster. The team management has instead leaned towards younger pace options, who have faced difficulties making a substantial impact in recent outings against Ireland and England.
Key Highlights
- Navdeep Saini voiced support for the inclusion of Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the national squad during an interview with India TV.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered a strong IPL 2026 season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, taking 28 wickets to end joint-second among tournament wicket-takers behind Gujarat Titans bowler Kagiso Rabada.
- Mohammed Shami last played for India at the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he picked up nine wickets in five matches.
- Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has consistently pointed to fitness issues regarding Shami’s absence from national squads.
- Bhuvneshwar is also set to participate in the UPT20 league, while Shami actively competes in domestic red-ball cricket through the Ranji Trophy.
Why This Matters
Saini’s comments bring focus back to the ongoing debate over team composition as India looks ahead toward the 2027 World Cup. The Indian team management has prioritized developing younger fast bowlers, yet those players have experienced challenges against recent opponents like Ireland and England. The continued exclusion of proven senior performers who are excelling in domestic leagues and the IPL highlights the selection tension between developing youth and rewarding seasoned consistency.
What to Watch Next
Official communication from the Indian selection committee remains pending. Observers await clarity from chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection panel regarding whether Shami and Bhuvneshwar will be considered for upcoming international assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Navdeep Saini say about Shami and Bhuvneshwar?
Saini noted that both fast bowlers are working hard and excelling in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and the IPL, stating that as a player he believes they should receive chances in the national team.
When did Mohammed Shami last play for India?
Shami last featured for the Indian side during the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he secured nine wickets across five matches.
How did Bhuvneshwar Kumar perform in his recent IPL season?
Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Bhuvneshwar took 28 wickets, finishing as the joint-second highest wicket-taker in the competition.
Source: Reported via CricTracker from an India TV interview.