The announcement of Team India's 15-member squad for the ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11 surprises many. While Shreyas Iyer returns, Mohammad Shami is notably absent despite his consistent domestic performances. Is Shami no longer in the plans for the 2027 World Cup?
This series was significant as it set the tone for team strategy leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
No Opportunity Post-Champions Trophy
Mohammad Shami has not donned the India jersey since the Champions Trophy in March 2025. Official reasons point to fitness issues, though his stats tell a different story. His predicament echoes the sidelining of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, and Umesh Yadav. Yet, even now, Shami remains a critical figure for India in ODIs and key tournaments.
Also Read: India ODI Squad Announcement - Mohammed Siraj and Shreyas Iyer Return, Ruturaj Gaikwad Excluded
What the Stats Say
Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami has claimed 35 wickets in 14 matches, with an astonishing 24 wickets in just 7 World Cup matches. Despite a debilitating ankle injury during the World Cup final, which necessitated surgery and rehab, Shami still played a pivotal role when needed.
In the 2025 Champions Trophy, Shami collected nine wickets in five games, holding his own as one of India’s top wicket-takers. Yet, he awaits another chance to prove his mettle.
Fitness or Another Issue?
Selectors highlight fitness as the reason for Shami's absence, yet his substantial contributions in the 2025–26 domestic season challenge this narrative. From taking 20 wickets in four Ranji matches to achieving commendable figures in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies, Shami has been actively demonstrating his prowess.
Indian Squad Against New Zealand:
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
India vs New Zealand Schedule
January 11 - 1st ODI, Vadodara January 14 - 2nd ODI, Rajkot January 18 - 3rd ODI, Indore January 21 - 1st T20, Nagpur January 23 - 2nd T20, Raipur January 25 - 3rd T20, Guwahati January 28 - 4th T20, Visakhapatnam January 31 - 5th T20, Thiruvananthapuram
