'He Deserves A Chance': Indian Selectors Told To Bring Back Mohammed Shami After Ordinary Show Against New Zealand

A second-string New Zealand has presented a near full-strength India quite a challenge in the ongoing bilateral series. In each department, the visitors have been more than competitive and despite missing several first-choice stars, they put themselves on the verge of a historic ODI series triumph on Indian soil.

A major reason behind their sparkling show was the stunning form of the experienced Daryl Mitchell who struck a record 352 runs from three innings at a stunning average of 176 and a strike-rate of 110.34. He peeled off two centuries and a half-century as India bowlers struggled to put a lid on his scoring spree.

With Indian bowlers being pummeled, several users on social media have been questioning why fast bowler Mohammed Shami continues

to be ignored despite having attained full fitness with the veteran regularly featuring for Bengal in domestic competitions.

Also Read: India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI Live Updates

Shami boasts of a terrific record against the Kiwis in ODIs. In 16 matches, the 35-year-old has taken 38 wickets at an average of 21.15 and an economy of 6.13.

Shami’s two most memorable performances against New Zealand came during the 2023 ODI World Cup when in two matches, including the semifinal, he picked up 12 wickets to help India enter the title clash unbeaten.

Incidentally, Mitchell threatened to take both the contests away from India with sparkling hundreds before Shami put an end to his innings.

Fans have been reminding India selectors about Shami’s record and wondering what he must do win their favour.

Mohammed Shami Vs Daryl Mitchell : Avg. 16, Out 4.

Only Mohammed Shami can save Team India from Daryl Mitchell but he’s not in the squad because of politics and favourism 💔 pic.twitter.com/JOmWWan1QU

— ????????????????????¹⁸ (@varunx18) January 18, 2026

Gautam Gambhir should bring back Mohammad shami in the ODI for India

– He deserves a chance to play pic.twitter.com/2gASMcDMGq

— the unknown memes (@theunknowmemes) January 15, 2026

All Indian Pacers v NZ In This ODI Series
94.3 overs || 15 Wickets || 37.53 Average

Shami against NZ in Last 3 Home ODIs
25.5 overs || 15 Wickets || 8.60 Average#INDvsNZ

— ???????????????????????? (@Shebas_10dulkar) January 18, 2026

Harshit Rana keeps getting ODI chances despite leaking runs in the middle and at the death.
Meanwhile, proven Shami doesn’t even get picked.
Truly baffling calls from the backroom leadership.#India #Cricket #SelectionIssues #INDvsNZ #CricketTwitter

— Syed Mohammed Sajl (@smsajl) January 18, 2026

Every indian cricket fan missing him lot, We really need md shami in ODIS. #INDvsNZ #DarylMitchell #century #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/cTMdtLevfJ

— Deeeep ⚡ (@XyzAbc1424064) January 18, 2026

For the record, Shami’s last appearance for India was in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy when the team won the competition beating New Zealand in the finale.