# Shami hopes for India recall despite New Zealand tour exclusion

> Mohammed Shami remains hopeful for India recall after missing New Zealand tour selection.
- Title: Shami hopes for India recall despite New Zealand tour…
- Summary: Mohammed Shami remains hopeful for India recall after missing New Zealand tour selection. Mohammed Shami says he will keep playing domestic cricket to…
- Keywords: mohammed shami, india, new zealand tour, ranji trophy, bengal, champions trophy, test cricket, odi cricket, wickets, domestic cricket, sports, Shami
- Source: Sportstar — https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/domestic/mohammed-shami-still-hopes-india-recall-new-zealand-tour-not-picked-ranji-trophy-wickets/article71604373.ece
- Author: Vivek Krishnan
- Published: 2026-10-20T11:43:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mohammed shami, india, new zealand tour, ranji trophy, bengal, champions trophy, test cricket, odi cricket, wickets, domestic cricket, sports
## Shami misses New Zealand tour selection
Mohammed Shami was not selected for India's New Zealand tour squad despite training with Bengal for Ranji Trophy match.
## Shami explains absence from match
Shami said the spin-friendly pitch at Palam made it unwise to bowl two to four overs and that young players needed experience.

> You could see the condition of the pitch, right? There was no point in playing on this wicket and bowling two to four overs. It was better that the youngsters got a run. The more they play, the more experience they will get.
## Shami's last international match
Shami last played internationally in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025.
## Shami's domestic performance
Shami played seven of Bengal's nine games in the team's Ranji semifinal run last season.
## Shami's fitness concerns
Shami faced doubts about his durability after ankle surgery and knee injury sidelined him post 2023 ODI World Cup.
## Shami's response to doubts
Shami countered that his bowling depends on game situation and pitch conditions, not his ability to bowl long spells.

> How can anyone else from the outside decide whether I bowl long spells or not? That is dependent on the demands of the team.
## Shami's hope for recall
Shami stated he will keep playing domestic cricket to maintain fitness and hope for India recall.

> The hope should always be there. In any profession, you should always have a goal. I don’t deny that goal.
## Shami's focus on current matches
Shami emphasized his focus on skill and fitness rather than long-term goals for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

> I always say that my focus should be on my skill and my fitness. I don’t want to take any load by thinking far into the future.
## Shami's peak performance
Shami's skillset includes the gallop to the crease to the bolt-upright seam position on release.
## Shami's international record
Shami has 229 scalps in 64 Tests and 206 wickets in 108 ODIs.
## Shami's future plans
Shami will continue playing domestic cricket to maintain rhythm and prepare for potential India recall.

> As long as I play a lot of matches, my rhythm will be good. If I am with the team, the atmosphere will be good.
## Key takeaway

Mohammed Shami says he will keep playing domestic cricket to maintain fitness and hope for India recall despite not being selected for New Zealand tour.