India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match: Mohammed Shami could make a return to the Indian team ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara. Reports said the selectors are considering the senior fast bowler following his strong showing in domestic cricket. Shami has been in good form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. The selectors are closely tracking his performances. A BCCI source told NDTV that Shami is being discussed on a regular basis and is not out of contention. The source said fitness remains the only concern and added that Shami is looking good for the New Zealand ODI series.
“Mohammed Shami is being discussed on a regular basis. He is not out of reckoning. The only concern is about his fitness. A bowler of his calibre will get wickets,” the source said as quoted by NDTV. "It is wrong to say he is out of the selection radar. He is looking good for the New Zealand One-Day series. Do not be surprised if he is picked, given his experience and ability to take wickets at will. Even the 2027 World Cup is a possibility," the source added.
Shami has not played international cricket since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in March. In that tournament, he picked up nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul, and finished as India’s joint leading wicket taker. Despite that performance, he has not featured for India since, which led to speculation over his place in the team. Earlier, Shami was expected to be selected for the Test tour of England but was left out due to fitness concerns. India picked relatively inexperienced fast bowlers for the five-match series, which ended in a 2-2 draw. His absence from the home Test series against the West Indies and the white-ball tour of Australia further fueled the debate.
Shami later stated that he was fully fit, citing his strong domestic performances in tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar later addressed the issue and explained the selectors’ position. The upcoming ODI series against New Zealand could provide Shami a route back into the team. With Jasprit Bumrah expected to be rested as part of workload management, Shami may be recalled to lead the pace attack.
The 34-year-old has been in good form in domestic cricket. Playing for Bengal, he has taken six wickets in three matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. He also picked up 16 wickets in seven games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In India’s last ODI series against South Africa, the pace attack featured Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna. While Krishna impressed in the final match, the overall lack of experience has kept the focus on senior bowlers like Shami.
