Mohammed Shami was among the players expected to be considered for the upcoming New Zealand tour.

Shami’s latest omission inevitably raises questions about whether he will represent India again.

Mohammed Shami‘s hopes of returning to the Indian team have suffered another setback after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its squads for the upcoming ODI and Test series against New Zealand without the experienced fast bowler. Despite delivering impressive performances in domestic cricket, Shami has once again been overlooked, raising fresh questions about his international future.

India have included the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj and Akash Deep in their pace-bowling group for the two-Test matches, while Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh in the ODI line-up. Shami’s continued absence is particularly notable because he has been producing strong performances for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy.

Mohammed Shami misses another India squad

Shami was among the players expected to be considered for the upcoming New Zealand tour after making a strong start to the 2026-27 domestic season. However, the selectors have opted for other fast-bowling options, leaving the veteran out of the squad once again.

The 36-year-old last represented India in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Since then, injuries and questions surrounding his fitness and match readiness have complicated his international comeback.

His latest omission comes despite a strong performance in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi. Shami claimed four wickets for 30 runs in 17.3 overs, including nine maidens, helping Bengal bowl Delhi out for 240.

Shami sends a strong message to his critics

Shami has made it clear that he remains focused on playing cricket rather than responding to repeated questions about his fitness.

After his performance against Delhi, the pacer addressed the criticism surrounding his readiness for competitive cricket.

“You people can see and write. It’s your job, right?” Shami told reporters when asked what he wanted to say to his critics.

He also emphasised that his performances on the field should speak for themselves.

“You can see my fitness. Write it. You are watching me. What will happen if I say it? I am on the ground. I am playing. I am playing wherever I can. My job is to just keep bowling,” he added.

The comments reflected Shami’s frustration with the recurring debate about his fitness. Rather than making promises about an India return, he has continued to focus on bowling regularly and delivering results for Bengal.

Strong domestic numbers keep Shami’s comeback hopes alive

Shami’s recent domestic performances suggest that he still has the ability to trouble batters with his movement, accuracy and experience.

During the previous Ranji Trophy season, he claimed 37 wickets in seven matches for Bengal at an average of 16.72, including three five-wicket hauls. His latest performance against Delhi provided another reminder of his effectiveness in red-ball cricket.

However, selection for India involves more than individual performances. The team management must also consider fitness over an entire series, workload management, future planning and the roles required in different conditions.

India’s decision to include younger options such as Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj suggests that the selectors are also investing in alternative fast-bowling combinations.

Is it the end of the road for Shami?

Shami’s latest omission inevitably raises questions about whether he will represent India again. At 36, time is becoming an increasingly important factor, particularly as the team continues to introduce younger players into its bowling attack.

Nevertheless, it would be premature to declare his international career over. Shami remains active in domestic cricket and has continued to demonstrate his ability to take wickets. His experience in challenging overseas conditions could still be valuable if the selectors believe he is fit and ready for an international assignment.

For now, there is no official announcement that Shami has retired from international cricket or that the selectors have permanently closed the door on his return.

What lies ahead for Shami?

The immediate priority for Shami will be to maintain his fitness and continue delivering performances for Bengal. Every strong outing will strengthen his case, although it cannot guarantee a recall.

His continued omission is disappointing for a bowler who has played a significant role in India’s success across formats. Whether he receives another opportunity will depend on his performances, fitness and the selectors’ plans.

For now, Shami’s India comeback remains uncertain, but his latest performances show that he has not stopped making his case on the field.