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Will Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar Play World Cup 2027?: Although there is still considerable time left before the 2027 ODI World Cup (CWC 2027), discussions regarding the composition of the Indian squad have already gained momentum. Stalwarts and analysts like former Indian cricketers Abhinav Mukund, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravi Shastri have even selected their own probable squads for this major tournament.
While India's batting line-up for the 2027 World Cup appears largely settled, uncertainties remain regarding the fast-bowling attack. The team management is currently providing opportunities to new, young bowlers, yet there is also ongoing talk about the potential return of experienced pacers like Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Bhuvi has delivered outstanding performances in the IPL over the past two years, while Shami has been playing domestic cricket consistently and is set to feature in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
Aakash Chopra Analysis: Can Shami and Bhuvi Return Together in CWC 2027?
Renowned commentator and former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has openly discussed the selection prospects of these two fast bowlers on his show, 'AakashVani'. He has clarified the technical and fitness-related factors influencing their potential selection or exclusion.
Aakash Chopra firmly believes that it is highly unlikely for both Bhuvi and Shami to be included in the 2027 World Cup squad together. Based on his understanding of the game, he feels that Captain Shubman Gill, the selectors, and the head coach will not pick both of them for the team simultaneously.
At best, only one of the two might make the cut, or there is even a possibility that neither is selected.Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Swing Master Facing Red-Ball Fitness Concerns
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Discussing the arguments for and against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Aakash Chopra stated:
- Downside of not playing the Ranji Trophy: The biggest factor working against Bhuvi is that he has not played in the Ranji Trophy (domestic 4-day matches) for the past few years.
- Doubts over bowling 10 overs: One cannot gauge his fitness for the 50-over format based on the IPL and other T20 tournaments. Selecting a player for the World Cup based on the IPL—which lasts a month and a half—and the 4-over spells in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy could be risky. The big question remains: is he fully fit to bowl 10 overs in an ODI?
Aakash Chopra's Roadmap for Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Selection
"If the selectors want to pick Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the 2027 World Cup, they need to play him right away. He should be part of every domestic ODI tournament starting a year before the World Cup. We need to give him a full year to get ready. If he is to be played, start giving him opportunities as early as the next ODI series and the T20 series against Afghanistan."
Also Read: IND vs SL Tests: Top 5 Highest Run-Scorers in India vs Sri Lanka
Mohammed Shami: Superior Fitness Over Bhuvi
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Speaking on the case of Mohammed Shami, Aakash Chopra said:
- Better match fitness: Shami has played consecutive Ranji Trophy matches and is also set to play in the Duleep Trophy. Therefore, in terms of fitness and 50-over capability, Shami appears significantly better than Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
- IPL Performance: However, if a direct comparison is made based on IPL performance, Bhuvi might be given slight preference over Shami.
India Tour of New Zealand 2026: The Final Testing Ground
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Aakash Chopra clarified that the decision regarding which of the two—if either—will make it to the 2027 World Cup squad will be made within the next six months. India is scheduled to tour New Zealand in October-November 2026, a tour comprising 5 T20Is, 5 ODIs, and 2 Test matches.
Final Verdict on World Cup 2027 Selection
"Everything will become clear after the New Zealand tour. If neither of these bowlers is included in the squad for the New Zealand tour, then consider their 2027 World Cup aspirations effectively over."
Also Read: Shubman Gill Injured: Top 2 Players Who Can Replace Him in 1st Test
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