As India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the competition for places in the national team is intensifying. Recently, Navdeep Saini has voiced strong support for two veteran fast bowlers, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, advocating for their inclusion in the squad based on their recent stellar performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both bowlers have remained favorites among cricket fans, thanks to their hard work and effectiveness in competitive matches, despite having been sidelined by selectors.
Performance Metrics Highlighting Veteran Excellence
Mohammed Shami's return to form has been particularly remarkable. The 35-year-old pacer, who previously formed a lethal bowling partnership with Jasprit Bumrah, experienced setbacks due to injuries. However, his performance in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 speaks volumes. In 13 innings, Shami has taken 37 wickets with an impressive strike rate of 37.00. Notably, during the semifinals against Jammu and Kashmir, Shami claimed 9 wickets, a performance that showcases his capability to excel under pressure.
Shami's Recent Statistics
| Stat | Value |
|---|
| Total Wickets | 37 |
| Innings Played | 13 |
| Strike Rate | 37.00 |
| Semifinal Wickets | 9 |
On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a dominant force in the IPL during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. With the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kumar took 17 wickets in the 2025 season at an economy rate of 9.28, contributing significantly to their maiden IPL trophy. His subsequent performance in the 2026 season further solidified his place, taking 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of just 7.95.
IPL Contributions and Future Potential
These statistics shed light on the substantial impact Bhuvneshwar Kumar has had in the IPL, indicating his readiness for international cricket. Saini pointed out that performing continuously well in domestic cricket and IPL isn’t trivial and showcases the hard work required.
Kumar's IPL Statistics
| Season | Total Wickets | Economy Rate |
|---|
| 2025 | 17 | 9.28 |
| 2026 | 28 | 7.95 |
Highlighting the significance of domestic performance, Saini remarked, “It takes a lot of effort to play in the Ranji Trophy. Shami bhai is doing really well, and Bhuvi bhai did well in the IPL.” Furthermore, Kumar is set to compete in the upcoming UPT20 League, providing him another platform to showcase his capabilities.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Saini's endorsement reflects a growing sentiment among cricket analysts that both Shami and Kumar deserve a chance in the national setup. With their extraordinary statistics and proven track record, the duo’s return could bolster the Indian bowling lineup significantly as they head towards the World Cup. Their recent performances define their value and might prompt selectors to reconsider their positions in the team.