Mohammed Shami to make international return with NZ ODI series? Report makes stunning claim

Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami can be picked for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand that will commence from January 11. According to a report by NDTV, there are chances that the 35-year-old will be picked in the Men in Blue's squad for the white-ball assignment. Notably, Shami's last international appearance came in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March earlier this year.

According to a BCCI source, the selectors are keeping a close eye on Shami's domestic performance and it won't be a big suirprise if he is called up for the New Zealand series. The source added that the pacer may even be considered for the 2027 ODI World Cup if he continues to deliver in one-day cricket.

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“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. 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 BCCI source said.

Shami got dropped after stellar Champions Trophy campaign

Shami was surprisingly dropped from the team even after he finished as India's joint-highest wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy with nine scalps. He was expected to be picked for the side's next assignments in ODIs, but never made it to the team again.

Shami's impressive performance in domestic cricket

However, it is safe to say that Shami has been delivering for Bengal at the domestic circuit. He has so far clinched six wickets in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and had racked up 16 wickets in just seven games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for the New Zealand ODI series so that his workload can be properly managed heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup, Shami's return can very well be on the cards.