In what has come as a huge development, Mohammed Shami is likely to make his much-awaited return for India. As per a NDTV report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee is set to take a U-turn on Shami, who has constantly been overlooked despite strong domestic performances.
Shami, who took part in India’s successful run at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hasn’t featured in any international game since. While he had a bad IPL 2025, Shami was overlooked in the away tour of England before getting involved in some indirect exchanges with chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Now, if the latest reports are to be believed, the selectors haven’t shut the doors on Shami.
“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. 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.” a BCCI source said to the publication.
Shami continues to perform for Bengal
Shami returned to international cricket earlier this year in January after spending over a year on the sidelines, primarily due to an ankle injury. He underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon in London before making his comeback in a white-ball series against England.
His performance in the IPL was severely criticised due to his lack of consistency. He was eventually left out of the squad for the IND vs ENG Test series and subsequently wasn’t considered for the series against the West Indies or South Africa either. However, all this didn’t bog Shami down.
In the first half of the Ranji Trophy 2025/26, Shami has taken 20 wickets, including a fifer against Gujarat. Then came a superb Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) as well, after which Sourav Ganguly backed him for a comeback. After playing 7 group stage matches, Shami has finished with 17 wickets. He hasn’t gone wicketless in any game, and in his last 3 outings, he has 11 scalps. His economy has been on the higher side, 8.90, but his wicket-taker ability remains as it has always been.
Now, in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), Shami has continued his terrific form, taking six wickets in the first three games for Bengal. In the fourth game against Jammu & Kashmir, Shami took two wickets inside his first three overs too to rattle J&K.
Why Shami for ODIs is sensible
With both Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana being part of the T20 World Cup 2026, India might need to rest them from the 3-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting from January 11. Jasprit Bumrah is slated to take rest as well. Hence, India don’t have many pace bowling options for the Kiwi ODI series. Shami fits the bill perfectly as he has a great record against New Zealand as well, having 38 wickets at 21.15 in 16 ODIs.
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Mohammed Shami on BCCI selectors' radar as return in India vs New Zealand seems likely
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