Mohammed Shami for the Kiwi Series

Senior Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been away from the national team for a long time. He last played international cricket in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand on March 9, 2025. After that, fitness issues kept him out of the squad, and selectors have not picked him for any tournament or format since. However, he has been performing impressively in domestic cricket.

India is set to play a three-match home ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026. Reports indicate a strong possibility of Shami's selection for this series. BCCI sources state that while there are no doubts about his skill, fitness remains the main concern." If he gets picked for the New Zealand ODI series, it won't be a surprise. There's also a chance he could play in the 2027 ODI World Cup", sources added. No official announcement has been made yet.