Navdeep Saini, the Delhi and Kolkata Knight Riders bowler, believes Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be considered for the Indian national team. Both players are now outside the national team, with selectors yet to clarify whether they would be considered for future selection. Saini’s support comes at a time when the Indian management has continued to prioritise younger bowlers who have struggled to make an impression in recent series against Ireland and England.
Saini, a member of India’s historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in 2020-21, praised both pacers’ efforts in domestic and franchise cricket. He acknowledged the challenge of maintaining form in competitive domestic tournaments and the IPL while being out of the national team picture.
Bhuvneshwar’s IPL performance versus Shami’s domestic form
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 2026 IPL campaign produced major results for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. During the tournament, the 36-year-old took 28 wickets, tying Kagiso Rabada of the Gujarat Titans for second place. Despite his absence from international cricket, his performance at the top of the bowling attack indicated long-term effectiveness.
Selection clarity expected from Indian selectors.
Shami, on the other hand, continues to play domestic cricket, notably the Ranji Trophy, ensuring his participation in competitive formats. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has consistently expressed worries about Shami’s fitness, which has contributed to his non-selection for the national squad. The 35-year-old last played for India in the Champions Trophy in 2025, taking nine wickets in five matches, but he has not appeared for the national team since.
The Indian selectors have yet to communicate their decision on whether Shami and Bhuvneshwar would be considered for national team assignments. Saini’s public endorsement highlights the continuing debate in Indian cricket circles about how to strike a balance between supporting senior players with proven domestic and franchise records and the management’s penchant for developing younger bowling talent ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
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