Shami’s Selection Key for New Zealand ODIs

The selection of Mohammed Shami will be closely watched when the national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, meets in Mumbai to announce India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.

The India–New Zealand ODI matches will be played on January 11 in Rajkot, January 14 in Saurashtra, and January 18 in Indore. After the ODI series, India will also play five T20 International matches against New Zealand.

Mohammed Shami has not been selected for the Indian team since the ICC Champions Trophy held in March last year, even though he has been performing well in domestic cricket for Bengal. In the current season, Shami has taken nearly 45 wickets, which has strengthened calls for his return to the national side.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to be rested for the ODI series. The team management wants to keep them fresh for the upcoming T20 World Cup and the T20I series against New Zealand.

With Bumrah likely to be unavailable, India may need an experienced fast bowler like Shami to lead the pace attack and guide the younger players in the squad.