Prasidh Krishna picked, Mohammed Shami left out - A selection call that doesn't add up

Mohammed Shami vs Prasidh Krishna in ODIs [Source: @Rajiv1841, @BCCI/X.com]

Mohammed Shami’s snub from India’s ODI squad against New Zealand has reopened an old debate of form versus perception and proven match-winners versus persistent experiments. 

On paper, the selectors’ call to back Prasidh Krishna looks like continuity. In reality, it ignores performance, context, and timing. 

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Mohammed Shami’s grind in domestic cricket was ignored

(Table - Shami's stats in domestic season 2025-26 across formats)

For instance, Mohammed Shami has not been sitting idle since his return from a heel injury. He has taken the harder route. He is grinding through domestic cricket across formats. 

In the ongoing season alone, he has picked up 47 wickets in 16 matches, including 20 in the Ranji Trophy, 16 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali, and 11 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. 

These are not token appearances. These are sustained spells, match-to-match contributions, and a clear statement of fitness and hunger.

Contrast that with the nature of the upcoming series. The ODI series against New Zealand is not a World Cup, not a knockout event, and not practice for an important multi-team event. 

Moreover, with Jasprit Bumrah rested, this was the ideal window to reintroduce Shami. This was the chance to assess his rhythm, workload, and readiness at the international level. If not now, then when?

Is Prasidh Krishna worthy of a long rope?

(Table: Prasidh Krishna vs Mohammed Shami after 21 ODIs)

On the other hand, Prasidh Krishna’s selection raises uncomfortable questions. He is no longer an inexperienced prospect. 

With 21 ODIs, 6 Tests and 5 T20Is under his belt, the sample size is sufficient. While his wicket tally looks respectable, his economy rate of over 6 remains a recurring issue in white-ball cricket. 

More concerning is the lack of evolution. Of course with 21 ODIs comparison, his numbers stand better compared to Shami, except for economy.

But, Krishna's variations are far more predictable, his control is inconsistent, and batters have shown they can line him up in the middle overs.

This is not about one bad series. It’s about a pattern. Even in recent ODIs, Prasidh has gone for 8+ economy across multiple spells. 

In modern ODI cricket, that margin matters, especially when India already has attacking options like Siraj and Arshdeep. 

If the idea is control and experience, Mohammed Shami fits better. If the idea is experimentation, Prasidh doesn’t qualify as a fresh bet anymore.

Shami deserves a second chance

(Table: Shami's overall ODI stats and numbers in winning cause)

Mohammed Shami, on the other hand, remains one of India’s most reliable ODI bowlers of the last decade. He was the leading wicket-taker at the 2023 World Cup, a tournament played under relentless scrutiny, pressure and with an underlying injury. 

His ability to strike early, reverse the ball, and deliver in big games is well documented. Importantly, Shami has always been a bowler whose impact outweighs raw economy numbers, breakthroughs change games.

Age should not be the disqualifier here. Fitness and performance should be. By every measurable domestic metric, Mohammed Shami has earned the right to be considered again. 

Ignoring that sends a poor message that domestic performances matter only until they don’t fit a preconceived selection narrative.

Final thought

There’s also a strategic angle the selectors seem to have missed. With Bumrah rested, India lacks a senior strike bowler in ODIs.

This is exactly where Shami’s presence adds balance. He could have mentored younger quicks like Harshit Rana while still leading the attack himself. Prasidh doesn’t offer that leadership value yet.

Ultimately, selection is about timing and fairness. Picking Prasidh Krishna again while overlooking Mohammed Shami feels less like planning and more like stubborn continuity. 

The New Zealand ODIs were a low-risk opportunity to bring back a proven match-winner. Passing on that chance may not hurt immediately. But it does raise doubts about whether India is truly picking on performance anymore.

For a team that prides itself on competition for places, Mohammed Shami deserved better.

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