Bhuvneshwar's Recall Opens Door for Veteran Shami

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Mohammed Shami's return to the Indian team could be imminent. He suggests that a change in the selection committee, with Ajit Agarkar no longer leading the panel, might lead to a greater emphasis on experienced players. Ashwin's comments come after the selection of Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, marking Kumar's return to the national side after a four-year absence.

Shami, who last played for India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, has not featured in any format since. His previous omissions had led to discussions with Agarkar, who cited fitness concerns. However, Shami has since demonstrated his fitness through strong performances in domestic cricket, bolstering his case for a comeback.

With Jasprit Bumrah's workload management being a constant consideration, Ashwin feels that the team management might lean towards seasoned campaigners. Bhuvneshwar's recall, according to Ashwin, opens the door for Shami, whose extensive international record includes 229 Test wickets, 206 ODI wickets, and 27 T20I wickets. The potential shift towards experience indicates that Shami's comeback may not be far off.