senior pacer Mohammad Shami Team India is firmly in the hunt for a place back in international cricket with India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand scheduled to begin on January 11, 2026. After months of layoff due to injury, Shami’s impressive domestic form caught the attention of selectors, especially Jasprit Bumrah, who will be rested during the series.

The Indian selection panel is keeping a close eye on Shami’s fitness, but early indications are that the veteran seamer may be entrusted with leading the pace attack in ODIs. The move is also seen as part of the wider roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup, where experience is expected to play a crucial role.

Domestic performances reinforce Mohammad Shami’s point

Shami has made a convincing statement through his performances in all formats of domestic cricket. He has taken 17 wickets in the last 6 limited-overs matches for Bengal. These include six wickets in three Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, the highlight of which was a 3-wicket haul of 40 against Chandigarh. He added 11 more wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, showing consistency and control in the shorter format.

His red-ball performance was equally impressive. Shami has picked up 20 wickets in just four Ranji Trophy games, showing that his rhythm and stamina have returned after injury. Notably, he last played for India in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, when he became the joint-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps, cementing his pedigree on the big stage.

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Selectors will prioritize experience over youth

According to multiple reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Shami "Not incalculable," Emphasis on fitness remains the only box that needs to be ticked. A BCCI official pointed out that the Bangladesh pacer is “New Zealand day trip series looks good” And suggested his choice shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Bumrah rested for ODIs ahead of T20I series to manage his workload 2026 T20 World Cupthe selectors are keen to rely on Shami’s experience rather than young options like Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna. It is believed that Shami’s clinical presence and tactical awareness can stabilize a relatively transitional ODI force.

If recalled, Shami is expected to spearhead the pace attack along with Ardeep 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, providing ample opportunity to Shami to re-establish himself in the 50-over format.

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