Mohammad Kaif says New Zealand will be relieved Shami is not touring

Mohammad Kaif said New Zealand batters will be relieved that Mohammad Shami was left out of India's Test squad for the two-match series. The former India batter told Cricbuzz that Shami is the first name New Zealand players would name if asked which bowler they least want to face.

Shami has not played for India since the Champions Trophy 2025 final. He recently took five wickets in Bengal's Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi, yet selectors preferred Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj for the New Zealand tour. Kaif questioned the lack of transparency around the decision, noting that Shami's ability to bowl short spells should not be an issue given how Jasprit Bumrah's workload is managed.

The Test series begins on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Shami's domestic form has kept his international comeback prospects alive despite missing the squad.