Irfan Pathan Challenges Mohammed Shami to 'Create Havoc' in IPL 2026 for India Comeback
Following his surprising omission from India's ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has been given a clear mandate by former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan: use the IPL 2026 season to force his way back into the national team.
Pathan strongly defended Shami, pointing out his immense experience and high wicket tally in international cricket, arguing that questions about his fitness are unwarranted given his recent workload of over 200 overs in domestic cricket. However, Pathan believes that domestic performances alone may not be enough to sway the selectors, who appear focused on building a team for the future.
Pathan advised Shami to channel his frustration into a dominant IPL campaign. By performing exceptionally well with the new ball on the world stage of the IPL, Shami can demonstrate his rhythm and fitness in a way that the selectors and the entire cricketing world cannot ignore, making his return to the national setup inevitable.
