Mohammed Shami Back on BCCI Selection Radar for India ODI Comeback vs New Zealand

In a major development that has caught everyone’s attention, Mohammed Shami may soon return to the Indian team. According to an NDTV news update, the BCCI selection committee is soon expected to change its stance on Shami, who has been consistently overlooked despite impressing at the domestic level.

BCCI Set for U-Turn on Mohammed Shami as Fitness and Domestic Form Boost Chances for India Return vs New Zealand 

Shami, who had participated in India’s successful campaign during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, has not been part of any international match since then. Though Shami had a poor performance during the IPL 2025, the player had been overlooked during the away trip to England, only to be drawn into some back-and-forth communications with the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar. Now, based on the latest reports, the selectors apparently have not closed the door on him.

Mohammed Shami is being spoken about regularly. He is not out of reckoning. The lone worry is his fitness. A bowler of his class will fetch wickets. It is foolish to say he is off the radar of selection. He is looking good in the New Zealand One-Day series. Do not be surprised if he is picked, in view of his experience and wicket-taking abilities. Even the 2027 World Cup is no longer far away. a BCCI source said to the publication.

Shami had regained his position in international cricket earlier this year, in January, after a year-long absence due to an ankle injury. He had undergone surgery on his Achilles tendon in London before returning to cricket.

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Mohammed Shami Bowler

Mohammed Shami Ahmed is a formidable Indian right-arm fast bowler, known for pace, swing, and reverse swing, playing for India, Bengal (domestic), and currently the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL, with major records like India's best ODI figures (7/57 vs NZ) and fastest to 50 World Cup wickets, earning the 2023 Arjuna Award for his impactful career, noted for resilience despite injuries.

His performance in IPL received heavy criticism for his lack of consistency. He was later left out of the playing XI for the TEST series between India vs England, and then wasn't selected for the series against the West Indies and South Africa as well. However, all this didn't seem to weigh Shami down.

🚨 MOHAMMED SHAMI COMEBACK UPDATE 🚨

Mohammed Shami is back in selection talks and could make his return for India soon. According to NDTV, the BCCI selectors are reconsidering him after strong domestic performances, with Shami in contention for the New Zealand ODI series.

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In the initial season of Ranji Trophy 2025/26, Shami has bagged 20 wickets, including a fifer against Gujarat. That was followed by an outstanding performance at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) as well. Following that performance, Sourav Ganguly supported him to come back. In his initial 7 group stage matches, Shami has bagged 17 wickets. This time, he has not conceded an over without taking wickets. Also, including his last 3 matches, he has picked up a total of 11 wickets. His economy rate has been slightly higher at 8.90, but his wicket-taking capability has been at its usual best.

Now, in the current edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), Shami has kept up the amazing performance and picked six wickets in the initial three matches that he played for Bengal. In the fourth match against Jammu & Kashmir, Shami also rattled Jammu and Kashmir by picking two wickets in the first three overs.

Since both Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana will be a part of the T20 World Cup 2026, India will have to consider dropping them for the 3-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning from 11th January. Jasprit Bumrah will also take a break. Thus, India has limited options when it comes to pace bowling for the ODI matches against New Zealand. Shami is perfectly suitable for this job. He also has impressive stats against New Zealand, having taken 38 wickets at an average of 21.15 in 16 matches.

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