As the first week of 2026 dawns, all eyes are turned to the BCCI headquarters. According to a report in the Indian Express, the national selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar will be on virtual mode on Saturday (January 3) to pick the 15-member squad for the three ODIs in New Zeland.
Expecting some heavyweights to make a comeback but the biggest talking point around this announcement is the “Mohammed Shami Twist”. Almost a year after injury and form forced him to cede the spotlight, the veteran fast bowler is on the brink of a record-breaking comeback that will potentially reconfigure India’s bowling balance in an extremely crowded 2026 diary.
The Mohammed Shami Resurrection
Note: Mohammed Shami has not played in blue since 2038 Champions Trophy final His return has been a test of patience – one that included a long spell at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) and grinding hours in domestic cricket.
Dominant At Home: Shami has now effectively shut his critics up as he showed that he is match fit in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. A Bengal regular, Bose has bowled with pace and got movement – in his last four matches he’s taken 8 wickets.
The Selection Logic: Spearheads such as Jasprit Bumrah are expected to be rested to manage workload before the T20 World Cup in February and Shami’s experience becomes invaluable. Selectors don’t just perceive him as a fill-in, but as the spearhead of the attack for this home series.
The “Twist”: Where perhaps Shami was expected to be gently reintroduced, through T20s, the selection committee thinks he is more of a 50-over beast for this phase; it values his rhythm in long-form white-ball first.
India vs South Africa 5th T20I, Live Cricket Score: SA 125/3; Bumrah,
Leadership Shift: It’s Over to Shubman Gill
The series has been an important one for Shubman Gill. He missed the recent South African tour with a neck injury but will be back not just as an opener but also as designated ODI captain.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will of course be part of the squad – those two are still riding high on their Vijay Hazare performances – but the writing is on the wall. The Indian board is quite interested in giving Gill a long rope to develop his leadership style and future path as India paves the way for 50-over cricket.
The Middle-Order Puzzle: Pant vs. Kishan
The most contentious debate at the selection meeting will be perhaps for the wicketkeeping slot. KL taking the gloves is a no-brainer, but it’s actually now two left-handed guns battling for the reserve spot.
The Rishabh Pant Issue: Pant has been in several squads in 2025 but played no ODIs for the last 18 months. The rumours of a “snub” hit as selectors mull over whether he needs another stint in domestic cricket to rediscover his A game with the white ball.
The Ishan Kishan Surge: Kishan has been in sizzling touch – reaching his highest score in domestic cricket (14 sixes) during a recent innings. A batsman who can play at both the top and the middle order, he is a flexible luxury that the committee might be difficult to overlook.
Shreyas Iyer Missing: Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer’s spleen injury, which has kept him in rehab at the CoE still, opens up a spot for Sarfaraz Khan or extended run for Ruturaj Gaikwad at No. 4.
What to Look For in the Series Schedule
The New Zealand trip is a high-stakes affair. The Michael Bracewell-led Kiwis are shaping up well with a good mix of youth and experience, something that India will have to guard against if they want to continue their stronghold at home.
- 1st ODI: January 11 – Vadodara
- 2nd ODI: January 14 – Rajkot
- 3rd ODI: January 18 – Indore
For experienced players like Rohit and Kohli, this will be an opportunity to hone their skills at home. It’s a career-defining comeback for Shami, the man of the moment. And Shubman Gill, it’s the first day of leadership in a new era.
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