Mohammed Shami Excluded from ODI Series Against New Zealand: Coach Criticizes Selection Committee
Mohammed Shami Left Out of ODI Squad
New Delhi, January 4, 2026: Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has not been included in the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Despite his impressive domestic performances, the decision by the selectors has drawn sharp criticism from his coach, Lakshmi Ratan Shukla, who labeled it as 'unfair' and 'shameful.'
Announcement of the ODI Team
On January 3, the BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. Shubman Gill will lead the team, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain, contingent on his fitness. Mohammed Siraj makes a return to the pace attack, while Shami has been overlooked once again. The pace bowling lineup includes Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna.
Shami's Stellar Domestic Performance
Shami's outstanding performance in the domestic season has been noteworthy, with consistent wicket-taking:
- Ranji Trophy: 20 wickets in 4 matches
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20): 16 wickets in 7 matches
- Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A): 11 wickets in 5 matches (including 3/55 in the recent match against Assam)
In total, he has claimed 47 wickets across 16 matches. Shami has not played for India since the Champions Trophy in March 2025.
Coach's Strong Critique
Shami's personal coach expressed disbelief at the selectors' decision, stating, 'What more can a player do? How many more wickets does he need to take? It's clear they do not want him in the ODI team, despite Shami still having a lot to offer.'
Lakshmi Ratan Shukla, the head coach of Bengal, remarked, 'The selection committee has been unjust to Mohammed Shami. No international player has shown the same level of effort and commitment in domestic cricket as Shami has recently. It is disgraceful what has transpired after all his hard work.'
Schedule for the ODI Series
Series Schedule:
- First ODI: January 11, Vadodara
- Second ODI: January 14, Rajkot
- Third ODI: January 18, Indore
Indian Team Composition
Indian Team: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain, fitness pending), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Debate Over Shami's Exclusion
The cricket community is abuzz with discussions regarding Shami's exclusion. Many experts believe that selectors are focusing on younger bowlers with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup, yet the disregard for an experienced player like Shami raises questions.