Mohammed Shami left out of India squad for New Zealand tour

Mohammed Shami has been left out of India's squads for the ODI and Test series against New Zealand, announced on Friday. The 36-year-old fast bowler last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final and has not featured in the national team since. The omission comes despite 68 wickets for Bengal across formats in the 2025-26 domestic season, including 37 in the Ranji Trophy at an average of 16.72.

Mohammad Kaif called for transparency from the BCCI, questioning the continued exclusion despite Shami's domestic returns. Kaif noted Shami has taken 15 Test wickets and 27 ODI wickets in New Zealand at averages of 22.44 and 21.15 respectively. Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla confirmed Shami was fit and had requested rest after a heavy workload in the previous Ranji match against Delhi.

Shami will remain with Bengal for the remainder of the Ranji Trophy season while India play 12 matches across three formats in New Zealand from 22 October.