Mohammed Shami is not included in the Indian squads for the upcoming tour to New Zealand. India disclosed its Twenty20 International (T20I) squad on October 6, and its One-Day International (ODI) and Test squads on October 16. Mohammed Shami was not included in any of the three. On October 22, the tour will commence with five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). On November 4, there will be five ODIs, and on November 19, there will be two Tests.
Mohammed Shami‘s most recent Test encounter was the World Test Championship final in June 2023, and he has not appeared for his country since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Selectors and team management are reportedly concerned about his fitness, questioning whether he can withstand prolonged bowling stints, despite his recent domestic successes.
The selection committee, which is currently led by Pragyan Ojha following the departure of Ajit Agarkar earlier this month, has prioritized younger fast bowlers for the tour. Mohammed Shami reiterated his commitment to providing his best effort in every game.
Mohammed Shami’s pacer has demonstrated exceptional performance at home in recent months.
Mohammed Shami amassed 37 wickets for Bengal in seven games during the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, with an average of 16.72. He also participated in the Duleep Trophy 2026, where he contributed to East Zone’s victory by capturing seven wickets at an average of 26.57 in three games. He has already made a significant impact in the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy with scores of 4 for 30 and 1 for 29 in his first game.
Shami’s IPL record over the past two seasons may indicate more modest returns. He captured six wickets in nine IPL 2025 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad and twelve wickets in thirteen IPL 2026 matches for Lucknow Super Giants. He is currently focused on maintaining his competitive advantage and the domestic season.
Mohammed Shami is dedicated to preserving his competitiveness by ensuring a full domestic season and consistent performances, despite the likelihood that age will be a subject of discussion prior to the 2027 ODI World Cup. The senior pacer will be 37 years old at the time of the competition.
He declared that he is making every effort to do his best and is allowing God to take care of the rest. Shami emphasized that it would be essential for his development to participate in the entire domestic season as he endeavors to make a potential return to international cricket.
