Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is firmly in contention for a return to international cricket, with India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand scheduled to begin on January 11, 2026. After months on the sidelines following injury, Shami’s impressive domestic performances have caught the attention of selectors, especially with Jasprit Bumrah set to be rested for the series.
India’s selection panel is closely monitoring Shami’s fitness, but the early signs suggest the experienced seamer could be entrusted with leading the pace attack in the ODIs. The move is also seen as part of a broader roadmap towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, where experience is expected to play a crucial role.
Domestic performances strengthen Mohammed Shami’s case
Shami has made a compelling statement through his performances in domestic cricket across formats. Representing Bengal, he has picked up 17 wickets in six recent limited-overs matches. This includes six wickets in three Vijay Hazare Trophy games, highlighted by a tidy spell of 3 for 40 against Chandigarh. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he added another 11 wickets, showing consistency and control in the shorter format.
His red-ball form has been equally impressive. Shami claimed 20 wickets in just four Ranji Trophy matches, underlining that his rhythm and stamina have returned following injury concerns. Notably, his last appearance for India came in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, where he finished as joint-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps, reinforcing his pedigree on the big stage.
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Selectors set to prioritise experience over youth
According to multiple reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have confirmed that Shami “is not out of reckoning,” stressing that fitness remains the only box to tick. One of the BCCI officials noted that the Bengal pacer is “looking good for the New Zealand One-Day series” and hinted that his selection should not come as a surprise.
With Bumrah rested for the ODIs to manage his workload ahead of T20I series and the T20 World Cup 2026, the selectors are keen to rely on Shami’s experience rather than blooding younger options such as Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna. The belief is that Shami’s calm presence and tactical awareness can anchor a relatively transitional ODI unit.
If recalled, Shami is expected to spearhead the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, forming a balanced combination of experience and youth. The ODI series will be played on January 11 in Vadodara, January 14 in Rajkot and January 18 in Indore, offering Shami ample opportunity to re-establish himself in the 50-over setup.
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