veteran pacer Muhammad Shami India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to begin on January 11, 2026, is in a determined fight to return to international cricket. After being sidelined for months following an injury, Shami’s impressive domestic performances have caught the attention of the selectors, especially as Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for the series.
India’s selection panel is keeping a close eye on Shami’s fitness, but early indications are that they may entrust the experienced seamer to lead the pace attack in the ODIs. The move is also seen as part of a wider road map towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, where experience is expected to play an important role.
Local performances strengthen Mohammad Shami’s claim
Shami has made a compelling statement with his performances in domestic cricket across formats. Representing Bengal, he scored 17 wickets in his last six limited-overs matches. This included six wickets in three Vijay Hazare Trophy games, highlighted by a tidy spell of 40 for 3 against Chandigarh. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he added 11 more wickets, showing consistency and control in the shorter format.
His red ball form was equally impressive. Shami has claimed 20 wickets in just four Ranji Trophy matches, highlighting the return of his rhythm and stamina after injury concerns. Notably, his last appearance for India came in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, where he cemented his lineage on the big stage by becoming the joint-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps.
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Voters value experience over youth
According to multiple reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cleared Shami “not out of line” emphasizes that fitness remains the only box to tick. A BCCI official noted that the Bengal pacer “Looking good for New Zealand ODI series” and hinted that his selection should come as no surprise.
Bumrah was rested for the ODIs to manage his workload ahead of the T20I series T20 World Cup 2026the selectors are keen to rely on Shami’s experience rather than blood young options like Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna. The belief is that Shami’s quiet presence and tactical awareness can anchor a relatively transitional ODI unit.
To recall, Shami is expected to lead the pace attack along with Arshdeep Singh, forming a balanced combination of experience and youth. The ODI series will be played in Vadodara on January 11, Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18, giving Shami ample opportunities to re-establish himself in the 50-over format.
