- By Vishal Pushkar
- Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Mohammed Shami likely to return for New Zealand ODIs.
- BCCI source confirms Shami's strong domestic performance.
- Jasprit Bumrah expected to be rested for the series.
India Probable Squad For NZ Series: Out-of-favour pacer Mohammed Shami, who has been away from international cricket for some time, is likely to end his hiatus soon. As per a report in NDTV, Shami is likely to receive a call-up for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled to start from January 11. Notably, Shami last featured in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in March, earlier this year. Interestingly, India defeated New Zealand in the final to lift the title in Dubai.
The report quoted a BCCI source, stating that Shami's performance in domestic cricket is being closely followed by the selection committee, with an imminent comeback on the cards.
“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 calibre 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," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by NDTV.
Shami was India's mainstay alongside Jasprit Bumrah, as he seldom spearheaded the Indian bowling attack during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami last played a T20 International match against England in February, earlier this year.
Shami's Recent Form
The 35-year-old pacer has featured in three matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 so far, picking up six wickets to his name. On the other hand, Shami collected 16 wickets in seven games for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which is a T20 format.
No Jasprit Bumrah In NZ ODIs
As per another report, Jasprit Bumrah may be rested for all three ODIs against New Zealand. The inclusion of Shami in the squad could be the selectors' move to add some experience in the bowling department.
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In India’s last ODI series, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna were the main pacers in the squad.
India Probable ODI Squad: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill (C), Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav