Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin hopes Mohammed Shami still has a chance to return to the national team after being left out of India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. The BCCI announced a 16-member squad on October 16, with the first Test scheduled to begin in Wellington on November 19.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ash ki Baat, Ravichandran Ashwin acknowledged that the selectors had rewarded players who performed well in recent matches. He specifically highlighted Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep, both of whom have impressed with their bowling performances. However, Ashwin also expressed concern that Shami appeared to have fallen down the pecking order.

He added, “I really hope that if he is fit and can perform, the door is not closed on him. However, the players who have been picked have also performed well. Prasidh Krishna has been bowling really well, and Akash Deep has also bowled well. So, whoever is getting picked deserves to be there. Mohammed Shami will have to wait in the queue, and I hope the door is not shut on him. But, based on the message we have received so far, it looks like Mohammed Shami is not being given much preference.”

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Ashwin also praised Shami’s recent performances for Bengal in the opening round of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. The experienced fast bowler claimed five wickets across both innings against Delhi, demonstrating that he remains determined to fight his way back into contention.

“I was also watching the Delhi versus Bengal game. Sometimes, even when he wants to bowl fast, he is still able to do so. So, I’m actually happy that a player of Mohammed Shami’s calibre is still trying to make a comeback. What that does is benefit the Bengal players as well, while those who play against him or alongside him get a valuable learning experience.”

Shami last played a Test for India against Australia in June 2023. He has claimed 229 wickets in 64 Test matches, including six five-wicket hauls. His experience and ability to deliver in demanding conditions could remain valuable if he regains the selectors’ confidence.

During the same discussion, Ravichandran Ashwin also assessed India’s options for the spin-bowling all-rounder’s position ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. He believes Axar Patel has moved ahead of Ravindra Jadeja in the pecking order following the recent ODI series against the West Indies.

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“One thing has become clear from the ODI series against the West Indies: Ravindra Jadeja is probably slightly behind Axar Patel in terms of white-ball cricket. That is perhaps why Axar has been preferred. The selectors and team management are clearly sending us a message that they have given Ravindra Jadeja a chance and also given him a long rope. However, they feel that Axar Patel is slightly ahead of the curve as a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder. So, I feel that, at this point in time, Axar Patel is the frontrunner to go to the ODI World Cup as a spin-bowling all-rounder.”

Jadeja struggled against the West Indies, taking just two wickets in two matches at an average of 64.50 and an economy rate of 6.45. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, Axar’s recent performances could strengthen his position, while Jadeja will need to deliver more consistent results to regain the advantage.