BCCI omits Mohammed Shami from New Zealand tour squads
Shami misses another tour despite strong domestic numbers; Ashwin says the door is not closed.
The BCCI announced squads for five ODIs and two Tests against New Zealand on Friday and left Mohammed Shami out of both. Shami has not played an international match since the 2025 Champions Trophy final.
Shami took five wickets in Bengal's Ranji Trophy opener last week and finished the 2025-26 domestic season with 68 wickets across formats. Ravindra Jadeja was also omitted from the ODI squad after a poor showing against West Indies.
R Ashwin said the door remains open for Shami if he stays fit. Shubman Gill will captain the first three ODIs before Shreyas Iyer leads the final two; Jasprit Bumrah returns only for the Tests.
CricHubb Take
Shami's continued exclusion after consistent domestic returns suggests selectors have moved on to a new core rather than a temporary rest. The decision fixes India's pace plans for the next 18 months.