'Who will say no'- Mohammed Shami's blunt take on T20 World Cup 2024 selection process

Mohammed Shami has been the best pacer for India of this generation across formats. The 33-year-old speedster has been in sensational form in the 2023 year. He became the highest wicket-taker for India in the ODI World Cup history, as he has registered 55 wickets in 18 games he has played in the mega event for the Men in Blue and is the fifth highest overall. The UP-born pacer was also the star in the 2023 edition finishing the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets in 7 games. 

Shami is currently recovering from the injury he sustained during the mega event and has not featured in any of the tours for the national side. He recently won the Arjun Award for his immense contribution to the national team. In the previous edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), he claimed the coveted Purple Cap by being the season's highest wicket-taker for Gujarat Titans and the tournament as well. 

During a recent interview after receiving the prestigious award, he was heard talking about his former teammate Hardik Pandya's trade to Mumbai Indians (MI) and about Shubman Gill's appointment as the new captain he believes that the no one cares about what is gone and moves forward with the present. He believes that the upcoming IPL season remains crucial to the T20 World Cup 2024 selection.

Whoever is playing well should be picked: Mohammed Shami

The pacer said, "There's still a lot of time. There's an IPL before that. Whoever is playing well should be picked for the T20 World Cup. It's important to select the team basis the combination. If I'm performing well, I should be selected. Who will say no to the World Cup?"

Shami is missing the first two Tests against England as he is still recovering. The pacer might be available from the 3rd test depending on his fitness. But the Men in Blue fans will be hoping that he is fully fit and performs well in the IPL and gets selected for the mega event.