Mohammed Shami has insisted that he has not given up hope of representing India again, despite being omitted from the squads for the multi-format tour of New Zealand.
The 36-year-old fast bowler said he continues to train hard and remains focused on earning another international opportunity. Shami last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai.
Shami keeps India comeback goal alive
Speaking to reporters after Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Services, Shami said that players should always retain a goal. He made clear that returning to the India team remains one of his ambitions while he continues playing domestic cricket.
Shami also described himself as being at his peak and pointed to his recent training as evidence of his fitness. His comments came after he was not selected in India's T20I, ODI or Test groups for the New Zealand tour.
Bengal omission was tactical, not fitness-related
Shami was left out of Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Services, but he said the decision was based on conditions rather than an injury. According to the pacer, Bengal expected a spin-friendly surface and selected its bowling attack accordingly.
The clarification is significant because recurring leg issues have interrupted the later stages of Shami's career. He continues to use domestic cricket and regular training to demonstrate his readiness.
New Zealand tour squads leave Shami out
The BCCI's official squads do not include Shami for any leg of the New Zealand tour. India begin with five T20Is before playing five ODIs and two Tests. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna are among the pace options selected for the Test series.
See the complete India ODI and Test squads for the New Zealand tour, or read the India vs New Zealand first T20I preview.
Shami's international record
Shami has taken 462 wickets in 197 international matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. His most recent India appearance came during the successful 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, where he finished as the team's joint-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets.
He was also India's leading wicket-taker at the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets in seven matches. Those achievements remain central to his case as he seeks another opportunity at international level.
No retirement decision or selection guarantee
Shami's remarks are an expression of intent, not confirmation of a recall. Selection will depend on his fitness, domestic performances, team requirements and decisions made by India's selection committee.
He also avoided looking too far ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, stressing instead that cricket can change quickly and that his immediate focus is on continuing to work.
Key facts
- International record: 462 wickets in 197 matches across formats.
- Last India appearance: Champions Trophy final on 9 March 2025.
- 2025 Champions Trophy: Nine wickets, joint-most for India.
- 2023 ODI World Cup: 24 wickets, the tournament's leading tally.
- Current position: Not selected for India's 2026 New Zealand tour squads.
Sources
- Reuters: Shami not giving up hope of India return
- BCCI: India's ODI and Test squads for New Zealand tour
- BCCI: India T20I squad for New Zealand tour
- ICC: Mohammed Shami player profile
Squad status, international record and Shami's comments were checked against the cited sources on 21 October 2026.