With the Indian squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand expected to be announced over the weekend, the selectors face a key decision around the composition of the pace attack, particularly in light of workload management for senior fast bowlers.
One name that has re-entered the conversation is Mohammed Shami, who has returned to sustained competitive cricket through India’s domestic season and logged significant match time across formats.
Domestic workload strengthens Shami’s case
After being ruled out of national selection earlier in the year due to limited match exposure, Shami has since featured extensively for Bengal. The right-arm pacer has turned out in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, bowling a combined total of over 200 overs across competitions.
In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shami has taken eight wickets from four matches so far, while also shouldering a heavy workload in the Ranji Trophy, where he bowled more than 145 overs. The sustained spell of cricket has addressed earlier concerns around match fitness, with his pace and rhythm remaining consistent, something which chief selector Ajit Agarkar spoke about during an earlier press conference when addressing a press conference on the pacer’s exclusion.
Pace attack reshuffle likely
India are expected to manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload during the New Zealand ODIs, which opens up opportunities within the fast-bowling unit. Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna are among the options available, though the selectors are yet to settle on a fixed combination in the 50-over format.
Prasidh has featured regularly in ODIs but has struggled for economy, while Harshit remains relatively new at the international level. Against that backdrop, Shami’s experience in white-ball cricket, particularly in ICC tournaments, could offer balance to a largely evolving attack.
Shami last represented India in the Champions Trophy, where he finished among the leading wicket-takers with nine scalps, including a five-wicket haul.
Siraj also in contention
Mohammed Siraj, rested during the recent South Africa series as part of workload management, is another senior quick available for selection. With no immediate red-ball commitments until mid-2026, Siraj remains a viable option should the selectors opt to rotate their frontline bowlers ahead of a packed T20 calendar.
Selection clarity under focus
While ODI cricket currently sits behind T20 priorities, the upcoming selection meeting is set to offer insights into India’s white-ball planning. The choices made, particularly around experienced fast bowlers returning from domestic cricket, are likely to indicate how the selectors balance form, fitness and long-term workload considerations.
The final squad announcement will determine whether Shami’s domestic performances translate into a return to the international fold or whether India continue to invest in newer pace options.