The BCCI announced India’s 16-member Test squad for the two-match series against New Zealand on October 16, 2026. Mohammed Shami was the biggest omission from the squad.
The 36-year-old fast bowler has taken 229 wickets in 64 Test matches. However, he has not played Test cricket since June 2023. His last appearance for India in any format came in the 2025 Champions Trophy final in March 2025.
Shami’s omission has led to debate among former India players and commentators. Mohammad Kaif questioned the selectors for not clearly explaining the decision. Former India opener Abhinav Mukund, however, offered a different view.
On October 10, Shami had said that Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s selection did not concern him. Bhuvneshwar, also 36, was recalled to India’s T20I squad for the New Zealand series.
Mukund believes this shows that age is not the main reason behind Shami’s absence.
“India have a pool of fast bowlers they are working with. And there must be reasons for the non-selection of Mohammed Shami. I don’t think age is the criteria. If age was the criteria, Bhuvneshwar Kumar wouldn’t have made it back to the T20I setup. There is a reason that the CoE and the Indian team selectors have for not picking Shami in this side,” Mukund told Cricinfo.
India’s Pace Attack for New Zealand Tests
Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj have been included in the Test squad. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj are also part of the pace group.
Mukund backed the selection of Akash Deep and Kamboj.
“Akash Deep is a very good selection again. Coming back from injury, he is a very good red-ball bowler. Anshul Kamboj has had a few impressive moments. And that’s why I think he makes it in the ODI squad as well. And he’s bowling slightly quicker than what we saw of him in that one Test alone in England. This is possibly his first full series. I don’t think he’ll get an opportunity. But I think it’s the right selection call moving forward,” Mukund added.
The two-match Test series will begin on November 19.
India’s squad is led by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul as vice-captain. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav are also included.
