Mohammed Shami-Ajit Agarkar cold war ends as BCCI signals pacer’s India comeback vs New Zealand
After months of uncertainty around his fitness and future, Mohammed Shami is back in contention for selection, with an eye on the ODI World Cup 2027. According to a report by NDTV, the selectors are closely monitoring the senior pacer and may include him for the three-match series against New Zealand.
Shami has been absent from international cricket since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in March. He picked up nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul, and finished as the joint leading wicket-taker for India. However, he has not been picked since, and his absence has sparked speculation.
Mohammed Shami in BCCI Plans With 2027 World Cup in Focus
According to an NDTV report, Mohammed Shami is very much on the selectors’ radar. He could be picked for the ODI series against New Zealand, given his experience and proven ability to take wickets. The report added that his chances for the 2027 World Cup have not been ruled out.
“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," the BCCI source told NDTV.
"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," the source added.
Mohammed Shami’s Omission Triggers Selection Debate
Earlier, Mohammed Shami was expected to be picked for the Test tour of England, but the selectors went against him due to fitness concerns. The Men in Blue picked relatively inexperienced pacers for the five-match series, which India managed to draw 2-2.
His absence from the home Test series against the West Indies and the white-ball tour of Australia then became a bigger talking point. Shami publicly stated that he was fully fit and ready, pointing to his performances in domestic tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The situation led to an open exchange, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressing Shami’s comments and explaining the selectors’ position.
The upcoming ODI series against New Zealand could offer Shami a return to the side. With Jasprit Bumrah expected to be rested as part of workload management before the T20 World Cup, Shami may be recalled and could lead India’s fast-bowling attack in the home series.
Mohammed Shami’s Recent Form and International Absence
Mohammed Shami has not played international cricket since March. He was the leading wicket-taker at the ODI World Cup 2023, but his last Test appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023. The pacer last played a T20I match against England in February 2025.
Shami has been in strong form in domestic cricket. Playing for Bengal, he has taken six wickets in three matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 and picked up 16 wickets in seven games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.
In India’s last ODI series against South Africa, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna were picked. Although Krishna took four wickets in the final match at Vizag, his overall performances were not convincing, which has kept the focus on experienced bowlers like Shami.
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