Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that Mohammed Shami’s chances of returning to the Indian team should not be ruled out after veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled to the national side.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to India’s T20I squad after an absence of nearly four years. The 36 year old pacer has been selected for the upcoming five match T20I series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to begin on October 22, 2026. His selection was one of the major talking points from India’s latest squad announcement.
Bhuvneshwar last played for India in November 2022. His return comes after strong performances in the Indian Premier League, where he played an important role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during their recent campaigns. His performances over the last two IPL seasons helped him return to the national selection picture.
The timing of Bhuvneshwar’s comeback has also attracted attention because it follows the end of Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of the BCCI senior men’s selection committee. The New Zealand T20I squad was the first major India selection made after the change in the selection setup.
Ashwin discussed the development on his YouTube channel and suggested that the selection of Bhuvneshwar could indicate that experienced players continue to have a pathway back into the Indian team. He specifically referred to Mohammed Shami, whose international career has been on hold since the 2025 Champions Trophy final.
According to Ashwin, the change in the selection setup could provide opportunities for experienced cricketers who remain capable of contributing at the international level. He pointed to India’s dependence on Jasprit Bumrah and the need to manage the fast bowler’s workload as one reason experience could remain important in the bowling department.
Ashwin said that Bhuvneshwar’s selection showed that the door had not necessarily been closed on Shami. However, his comments were an opinion about Shami’s prospects rather than confirmation that the pacer is set to return to the Indian squad.
Shami last represented India in the final of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand in March 2025. Since then, he has remained active in domestic cricket and has continued to work toward maintaining his match fitness and form. His performances in domestic competitions have kept the discussion about a possible international return alive.
The experienced pacer has also previously been involved in discussions surrounding his availability and selection. During Agarkar’s tenure, questions were raised about Shami’s fitness and his prospects of returning to the national team. The change in the selection committee has now led to renewed discussion about whether he could once again be considered.
Bhuvneshwar’s return provides another example of an experienced Indian fast bowler returning to international contention after a lengthy absence. His selection for the New Zealand series does not automatically guarantee a permanent place in the team, but it gives him an opportunity to demonstrate his current form at international level.
The upcoming New Zealand series will therefore be significant for Bhuvneshwar as he begins his latest international comeback. His performances could also influence discussions about India’s pace bowling options in the longer term. Ashwin has suggested that a successful series could potentially bring Bhuvneshwar into consideration for other formats as well.
For Shami, the immediate focus remains on his performances and fitness. Ashwin’s comments indicate that the experienced pacer could remain in the conversation, but any return will ultimately depend on the selectors and the team’s requirements.
India have several fast bowling options available, including Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and other emerging pacers. The management must balance experience, current form, workload and future planning while building squads for upcoming international competitions.
The selection of Bhuvneshwar has therefore reopened a broader discussion about the role of experienced players in India’s white ball plans. Ashwin’s comments have added Mohammed Shami to that conversation, but there has been no official confirmation that Shami has been recalled or that a selection decision has been made.
For now, Bhuvneshwar will have the opportunity to prove himself during the New Zealand T20I series, while Shami will continue to remain available for consideration based on his performances and fitness. The developments underline the competitive nature of India’s pace bowling pool and the continuing importance of experienced players as the team prepares for future international assignments.
