Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Raina Hints Shami Could Return After Bhuvneshwar’s Recall
Suresh Raina thinks Mohammed Shami may soon play for India again.
He said this after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled for upcoming T20 matches against New Zealand.
Raina praised Bhuvneshwar for staying fit and working hard.
Shami last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
An ankle injury had kept him out after the 2023 ODI World Cup.
He took 23 wickets in seven matches at that World Cup.
The article says he has also played domestic cricket.
India is due to play New Zealand in five one-day matches and two Test matches.
Raina’s comments suggest Shami could be considered, but they do not confirm a selection.
Suresh Raina suggested Mohammed Shami could soon return to India’s team after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled for the New Zealand T20Is.
Raina praised Bhuvneshwar, 36, for his discipline, fitness and hard work in earning a call-up.
Shami last represented India during the 2025 Champions Trophy and has not been selected since, according to the article.
An ankle injury sidelined Shami after the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he took 23 wickets in seven matches.
India are scheduled to play five ODIs and two Tests against New Zealand; the article says Shami’s return could strengthen the pace attack.
- Who
- Former India cricketer Suresh Raina commented on Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
- What
- Raina suggested Shami could be close to a return to India’s team after Bhuvneshwar’s recall.
- When
- The comments followed the announcement of Bhuvneshwar’s recall; the article gives no date for Raina’s remarks.
- Where
- At the jersey launch of the Indian Soft Ball Cricket League.
- Why
- Raina pointed to Shami’s good performances in domestic cricket and suggested he could be next for a recall.
Reasons Shami may return
Reasons selection remains uncertain
Prospects of a comeback
Reasons Shami may return
Raina said Shami had done well and played good domestic cricket, and suggested he was close behind Bhuvneshwar.
Reasons selection remains uncertain
The article reports no confirmation of Shami’s selection; it says concerns about fitness had previously affected his comeback prospects.
- Bhuvneshwar recall
- Recalled to India’s squad for T20Is against New Zealand, beginning October 22.
- Shami’s most recent India appearance
- The 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.
- Shami’s 2023 ODI World Cup record
- 23 wickets in seven matches.
- Injury cited
- An ankle injury sidelined Shami after the 2023 ODI World Cup.
- Upcoming India-New Zealand fixtures
- Five ODIs and two Tests, according to the article.
- Raina’s remark
- “Shami is also right behind him,” referring to Bhuvneshwar’s recall.