The BCCI recently shared the squad for the One-Day International series against New Zealand, which kicks off on 11 January 2026. One major omission immediately stands out.
Mohammed Shami didn't make the cut, even though he just started playing domestic cricket again with Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, went with a pace group that includes Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna.
This move shows a real change in strategy. The management seems set on trying out younger players. They are moving away from the veteran pacer, who last played for India in the Champions Trophy final back in March 2025.
Fans expected a comeback since he finished his ankle surgery recovery and rehab. However, the committee clearly cares more about long-term fitness than having a veteran on the field for this tour.
Ashwin’s Blunt Take on the Snub
Ravichandran Ashwin isn't one to hold back. He discussed this choice on his YouTube channel and was as honest as ever. He says straight out that Shami’s absence doesn't surprise anyone who knows how much the sport beats up a player's body.
Ashwin argues that people often mix up the long careers of batters like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma with those of fast bowlers. The former Indian off-spinner points out that people often forget the physical grind that bowling actually takes.
He wonders if the management really thinks Shami can keep up his pace and rhythm all the way to the 2027 World Cup. To Ashwin, the choice is about the harsh reality of a bowler's workload.
He makes it clear that a batter can play through small injuries. However, a bowler needs to be in perfect shape for their run-up and delivery. The selectors likely feel Shami isn't quite at that peak level for international rigours right now.
"Shami's exclusion was expected. There's no surprise in that. Virat or Rohit, Shami, the difference between them, the point is, when ODIs were not going on, they were still playing Tests or T20s. Shami went out due to an injury. For a bowler, if you look at the run-up, speed, and rhythm, is it the same quality as international cricket you once saw? Shami's case is of optics. Do the selectors believe he can get to the 2027 World Cup? There is a huge difference in the workload of a batter and a fast bowler," shared Ashwin on a video on his YouTube channel.
A History of World Cup Success
To see why leaving him out matters so much, you have to look at how Shami tore through teams in past World Cups. In 2023, he missed the start of the tournament but still finished with the most wickets: 24 scalps in only seven games. The 35-year-old's average of 10.70 in that tournament is legendary.
In all, Shami has taken 55 wickets in ODI World Cup history. That makes him India's top wicket-taker in the tournament. He is also the fastest bowler in the world to hit 50 wickets in the event. The fast bowler's skill at keeping the seam straight and moving the ball off the pitch made him a nightmare to play for batters. These stats show exactly what the team are gambling with. They are sidelining a proven winner who always stepped up when the pressure was highest.
Is This the End?
This looks like a major turning point for Indian cricket. The management wants to put their time into players who can last through the next big cycle, especially the 2027 World Cup. Shami is incredibly talented, but his age and recent injuries work against him. It's hard to ignore those issues in a format that requires so much stamina.
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Still, it might be too early to say he's finished. The younger bowlers might struggle against a top team like New Zealand. If they do, the selectors will probably start talking about the value of experience again. For now, the message is clear. A big name doesn't guarantee a spot anymore. The team are looking toward the future, even if it means moving on from a legend.
