Brief

R Ashwin says Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from New Zealand tour raises concerns

Ashwin urged selectors to reconsider Shami’s place after the pacer was omitted from both ODI and Test squads for the New Zealand series.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 21:00:23 GMT

R Ashwin voiced his disappointment after the India selection panel, led by Pragyan Ojha, left Mohammed Shami out of the squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour, according to TimesNowNews.

What happened

The board announced two ODI squads and a Test XI for the series against New Zealand. Shami, who has not played internationally since the 2023 ODI World Cup, was not named in any of the lists.

What the reports add

TimesNowNews notes that Shami was the leading wicket‑taker at the 2023 World Cup and that an injury kept him out of action for a long period, including the 2024 IPL. The outlet also mentions that Jasprit Bumrah will only feature in the Test series and is rested for the white‑ball matches.

What was said

“I really hope that if he is fit and can perform, the door is not closed on him,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, as reported by TimesNowNews. “However, the players who have been picked have also performed well… Mohammed Shami will have to wait in the queue, and I hope the door is not shut on him.”

How it came about

Shami’s last international appearance was at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he topped the wicket‑taking charts. He returned to domestic cricket but was still omitted from the New Zealand tour squads, prompting Ashwin’s comments. Earlier this week Felo News covered the New Zealand ODI jersey unveiling for the series (link), highlighting the build‑up to the tour.

Key facts

Mohammed Shami was not selected for India’s New Zealand ODI and Test squads (timesnownews.com)
Shami last played internationally at the 2023 ODI World Cup (timesnownews.com)
R Ashwin expressed hope that Shami’s door remains open if fit (timesnownews.com)