India Excludes Shami from Test Squad for New Zealand Series

India's cricket team management has reportedly shortlisted five pacers for the upcoming two-match Test series in New Zealand, excluding veteran Mohammed Shami and young pacer Akib Nabi. The series runs from October 22 to December 1 and is crucial for India's World Test Championship final hopes. Shami has taken 229 wickets in 64 Tests and has 15 wickets in New Zealand, but selectors are prioritizing youth over his experience and record. Akib Nabi, who took 60 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, was also overlooked despite being called up as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah against Sri Lanka. The five shortlisted pacers are Bumrah, Siraj, Prasidh, Gurnoor, and Akash Deep. Shami's birthday is today, and the BCCI posted a tribute on social media. India won the first Test against Sri Lanka but drew the second, failing to complete a clean sweep.