Mohammed Shami back in India’s selection radar for New Zealand ODIs, report says

Mohammed Shami, the 35-year-old fast bowler, is once again in contention for India’s national team after months of uncertainty over his fitness, form, and future. The upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup is emerging as a key milestone for his potential comeback. According to NDTV, a BCCI source confirmed that Shami’s domestic performances are being closely watched, making a recall to the Indian side a realistic possibility.

Shami on selectors radar

“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 caliber 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.”

Time away from international cricket

This is a big change in tone for a player who hasn’t represented India since the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025, despite finishing that tournament as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets.

Shami’s last ODI appearance was against New Zealand in that competition, while his most recent Test game was the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.

Shami impressive domestic form

Shami’s case has remained in the spotlight largely because his domestic numbers have been impressive. He has taken 17 wickets in his last six matches (three in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and three in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy).

In the Ranji Trophy, he picked up 20 wickets in just four matches this season, showing that his knack for striking still exists.

Support from former players

Former India cricketers have also questioned his continued absence. Mohammad Kaif expressed surprise at Shami being left out of recent ODI squads, especially when senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were rested.

With India experimenting with their pace options, Shami’s omission stood out even more, given his record in high-pressure games.

Fitness has been the main concern

The main issue, however, has never been his skill-it has always been fitness.

Shami has struggled with recurring ankle and knee injuries since the 2023 World Cup, including surgery and long rehabilitation periods that affected his rhythm and availability. These fitness concerns have been central to the selectors’ caution, even though Shami has insisted he is ready to play, pointing to his availability for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy.

Earlier this year, Shami publicly expressed frustration at being overlooked for India’s white-ball tour of Australia. He said it wasn’t his responsibility to keep updating selectors about his fitness if he was already playing domestic cricket.

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