Mohammed Shami IN: India ODI squads for New Zealand tour 2026 [Predicted]

Mohammed Shami IN: India ODI squads for New Zealand tour 2026 [Predicted]

India Consider Mohammed Shami for New Zealand ODIs as Selectors Plan Split Squads

India could bring experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami back into the ODI setup for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, with selectors reportedly weighing a split-squad plan to balance one-day commitments and Test preparations. According to The Times of India, India are expected to field a stronger group for the opening three matches before releasing several players preparing for the red-ball leg of the tour.

The schedule creates a tight turnaround: the final ODI is set for November 15, while the first Test begins in Wellington on November 19. With the Test series counting toward the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27, an early departure for key Test players could provide valuable time to adjust to conditions and prepare for the longer format.

Why Mohammed Shami Is in the Selection Conversation

Shami has given selectors a timely reminder of his capabilities with a strong domestic performance for Bengal against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy on October 11. He bowled 35.3 overs and finished with match figures of five for 59, including four for 30 in the first innings. The workload and wicket-taking return offer encouraging evidence of his readiness to compete, although his selection would ultimately depend on the team’s assessment of his fitness and match conditioning.

India may also have reason to seek greater depth in their pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly expected to miss the ODIs to take part in an India A match, while Prasidh Krishna has been recovering from a hamstring injury. Shami’s experience could therefore be valuable, particularly if the selectors want a proven new-ball bowler to support a younger group of seamers.

Shami has kept his focus on playing and bowling, rather than making promises about selection. After his domestic outing, he pointed to his presence on the field and the overs he was delivering, saying that his job was simply to keep bowling wherever he could. His comments underline the practical approach he has taken as he works to put himself back in contention.

The selection committee’s reported willingness to consider experienced bowlers may also be relevant. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the T20I setup suggests that selectors are open to using seasoned campaigners when they believe experience can strengthen the attack. Shami’s record and recent Ranji Trophy performance could make him an appealing option for an ODI series that may require careful management of fast-bowling workloads.

Predicted India Squad for the First Three ODIs

Shubman Gill is predicted to lead a near full-strength India side for the first three matches. The potential group combines established international batters with all-round options and a varied bowling attack. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would bring considerable experience, while Shreyas Iyer is expected to serve as vice-captain.

Predicted squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.

This projected lineup would give India several combinations to choose from. Rahul and Kishan offer wicketkeeping options, while Washington, Axar and Reddy could provide batting depth alongside their bowling. Kuldeep would add a specialist spin threat, with Siraj, Arshdeep, Rana and potentially Shami supplying pace and variation.

Test Preparations Could Reshape the Final Two Matches

After the Hamilton ODI, eight players expected to be involved in the Test preparations could leave early for Wellington: Gill, Jaiswal, Rahul, Reddy, Kuldeep, Siraj, Washington Sundar and Rana. Releasing them ahead of the final two ODIs would allow India to prioritize preparation for the WTC fixture while still completing the one-day series with a competitive squad.

The arrangement also gives selectors an opportunity to assess additional players in international conditions. Rather than treating the last two matches as a reduced-strength afterthought, India could use them to test emerging options and build depth ahead of future ODI commitments.

Predicted India Squad for the Final Two ODIs

Shreyas Iyer is predicted to captain India for the final two matches, which are scheduled to be played at Mount Maunganui. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson could enter the batting group, while Ishan Kishan is expected to remain among the wicketkeeping choices. The later squad may include a mix of senior players, India A performers and developing domestic talent.

Predicted squad: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Suryansh Shedge, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana or Auqib Nabi.

Suryansh Shedge could be considered after his performances for India A against Australia A, potentially replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy as the squads change. Varun Chakravarthy may also come into the picture if Kuldeep leaves for Test preparations. The final selection will depend on the balance India want between batting cover, spin options and pace depth.

Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi are also tipped as possible additions after completing their India A assignment on November 10. Their inclusion would give selectors a closer look at promising seamers while helping cover the departures of Test-bound players. Shami, if selected, would bring a different dimension: international experience and the ability to guide a less established pace group.

What the Split-Squad Plan Could Mean

The proposed approach reflects the challenge of managing two formats during a compressed tour. India must remain competitive in the ODIs while ensuring their Test players have enough time to prepare for a demanding WTC contest. A split squad could help reduce fatigue, but it would also test the depth of the wider player pool and place added responsibility on the ODI leadership group.

For Shami, the prediction of a possible return is grounded in a strong domestic performance and India’s need for experienced pace options. However, the reported squad combinations remain projections rather than confirmed selections. The official announcement will clarify whether selectors believe his current form and fitness make him the right choice for the New Zealand series.

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