Why Mohammed Shami’s return looks unlikely after New Zealand squad reveal

The BCCI released its India squad for the New Zealand tour on Friday, confirming five ODIs and two Tests. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami was again left out of the list.

After Ajit Agarkar’s stint as chief selector ended, Pragyaj Oja was installed as interim chief selector. Oja’s first selections for the New Zealand T20 series included a surprising call‑up: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, now 36, returned after a four‑year absence, stepping in for the injured Arshdeep Singh for the West Indies T20.

Shami, who played his last international match on 9 March 2025 in the Champions Trophy final, has been a mainstay in domestic cricket, featuring in every format and maintaining high fitness levels, as shown in the Ranji Trophy.

Despite his form, the selection panel—still influenced by the previous Agarkar administration—did not pick him. The same pattern was evident with Kumar, who, despite his return, remains on the fringes of selection.

Kumar’s comeback initially sparked speculation that Shami might also be reinstated, especially with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for the ODIs. However, the final list confirmed Shami’s continued exclusion. He has not appeared in a Test since June 2023 and has not been part of any limited‑overs squads since the Champions Trophy.

The omission signals that the selectors are looking beyond Shami for future plans, including the 2027 World Cup, which is now less than a year away. Young bowlers—Anshul Gambhir, Yash Thakur, Aaqib Nabi—have been added, though their lack of experience raises concerns.

Shami’s career tally of 206 ODI wickets in 108 matches, and a 24‑wicket haul in the 2023 World Cup, makes his exclusion startling. Experts argue that his pace and experience would be crucial in South African pitches, where conditions favor genuine quicks.

Even if Bumrah returns later in the series, no other bowler can fully replicate Shami’s skill set.

The decision adds to ongoing debates about India’s fast‑bowling succession and the strategic direction ahead of the next World Cup.