India are considering a return for Mohammed Shami as the selectors prepare two squads for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, according to The Times of India. The selectors will field a full-strength team for the first three matches before several Test-bound players leave for red-ball preparations.
India’s schedule leaves a narrow window between the final ODI on November 15 and the opening Test in Wellington on November 19. The split-squad approach would allow the team to manage workloads. Notably, the Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
Why Mohammed Shami Is in Contention for India’s ODI Squad
Mohammed Shami strengthened his case for selection with an impressive Ranji Trophy performance for Bengal against Delhi on October 11. He bowled 35.3 overs and claimed match figures of 5 for 59, including 4 for 30 in the first innings.
India need experienced pace options, with Jasprit Bumrah reportedly set to skip the ODIs for an India A match and Prasidh Krishna recovering from a hamstring injury. The interim selection committee has also shown a willingness to back experienced seamers by recalling Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the T20I series.
Shami dismissed concerns about his fitness after his domestic outing, saying, "You can see my fitness. Write it. You are watching me. What will happen if I say it? I am on the ground. I am playing. I am playing wherever I can. My job is to just keep bowling."
Predicted India Squad for the First Three ODIs
Shubman Gill is predicted to captain a full-strength India side in the first three ODIs. The squad features senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul.
Predicted squad for the first three ODIs: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
After the Hamilton ODI, eight Test-bound players, including Gill, Jaiswal, Rahul, Reddy, Kuldeep, Siraj, Washington Sundar and Rana, are expected to leave early for Wellington. The move would give them time to prepare for the opening WTC Test on November 19.
Predicted India Squad for the Final Two ODIs
Shreyas Iyer is expected to captain India in the final two ODIs at Mount Maunganui. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson could strengthen the batting lineup, while Ishan Kishan is expected to feature as a wicketkeeper-batter.
Predicted squad for the final two ODIs: Shreyas Iyer (C), Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Suryansh Shedge, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana/ Auqib Nabi.
Suryansh Shedge is expected to replace Nitish Kumar Reddy following his performances for India A against Australia A, while Varun Chakravarthy could take Kuldeep Yadav’s place.
Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi are also tipped to join the squad after their India A assignment on November 10. Mohammed Shami can also provide experience to the younger pace attack.
