The BCCI is set to announce Team India’s ODI squad for the upcoming New Zealand series, and Mohammed Shami is once again at the centre of attention. Fans, former players and experts are all calling for the experienced fast bowler to make a comeback.
Shami has not played international cricket since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025 due to injury and fitness issues. However, many believe India’s bowling attack is missing his experience, especially with the new ball.
Experts Strongly Back Shami’s Comeback
Several top cricket voices have openly questioned why Shami is still not part of the Indian squad. Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly praised his recent form and fitness. He said in November:
“Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit, and we saw in the three Ranji Trophy matches, where he’s won Bengal on his own.”
He also told, “I’m sure the selectors are watching, and there is a communication between Mohammad Shami and the selectors. But if you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the Mohammad Shami we know of. So, I really don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing Test matches, One-day cricket and T20 cricket for India. Because that skill is enormous.”
Former India coach Ravi Shastri was also unhappy with how Shami was handled during the Australia tour. In January, he said:
“He’s been sitting in the NCA for I don’t know how long. Why can’t proper communication come out on where he stands? A player of his ability, I would have brought him to Australia.”
Even former Australia captain Ricky Ponting felt Shami should have been included in that series. He said:
“I was really surprised when he wasn’t flown out even halfway through the series, two Test matches in.”
He added, “If Shami, even if he wasn’t fully fit, if he had to bowl fewer overs in a day, you had a backup seam bowling option to help him out. And, I think he could have been the difference.”
BCCI’s Stand on Shami’s Fitness
According to the BCCI, Shami’s absence is not about form but about fitness. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has made it clear that the pacer needs to build rhythm by playing domestic cricket before returning to the national side.
Shami Shines in Domestic Cricket
Mohammed Shami has delivered strong performances for Bengal in recent tournaments. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he picked 8 wickets in 4 matches. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he took 16 wickets in 7 games at an impressive average of 14.93.
When Will BCCI Announce India’s ODI Squad?
The BCCI selection committee met on January 3 to finalise the squad for the New Zealand ODI series, which begins on January 11 in Vadodara. The final decision, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected by January 4.
Shubman Gill is likely to lead the team, while fans are hoping to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back in the squad. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya may be rested to manage their workload ahead of the T20 World Cup in February.
Shreyas Iyer’s return remains uncertain because of fitness concerns. The wicket-keeper slot is still open between Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan. This series is also important for India’s long-term plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Mohammed Shami’s ODI Record
Mohammed Shami’s ODI numbers show why his return is being so strongly demanded. In 108 ODIs, he has taken 206 wickets at an outstanding average of 24.05. His best bowling figure of 7/57 proves how dangerous he is in big matches.
In his last ODI series, Shami finished as India’s joint highest wicket-taker alongside Varun Chakravarthy with 9 wickets. His average in that series was 25.88, just behind New Zealand’s Matt Henry, who took 10 wickets.
With the New Zealand series approaching, all eyes are now on whether the selectors finally bring back one of India’s most reliable fast bowlers.
