Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Mohammed Shami’s international career is far from over, despite the experienced fast bowler being overlooked for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11. Shami’s omission came as a surprise to many, especially given his strong performances in domestic cricket.

Shami last played for India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and has been out of the national setup since. However, Pathan feels that a player of Shami’s experience and pedigree still has a strong chance of returning to the highest level.

Highlighting Shami’s credentials, Pathan pointed to the pacer’s vast international experience, noting that he has claimed close to 500 wickets across formats. He added that questions around form or fitness are common in a cricketer’s career and can only be answered through consistent performances.

Pathan stressed that the Indian Premier League could serve as the perfect platform for Shami to make a strong statement. He noted that the fast bowler has bowled more than 200 overs recently, underlining his fitness. While domestic performances are important, Pathan said the IPL’s visibility makes it a decisive stage for players seeking a comeback.

“If I were in his place, I would look to dominate the IPL,” Pathan said, adding that impactful spells with the new ball in the league often make it impossible for selectors to ignore a player. With the IPL closely followed by the cricketing world, standout performances frequently accelerate a return to international cricket.

Since being dropped, Shami has continued to impress across domestic tournaments, picking up 47 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the ongoing 50-over competition, he has claimed 15 wickets in seven matches at an average of 14.93. Shami is set to represent Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, where he will aim to carry his domestic form onto the biggest stage.