The second ODI between New Zealand and India saw a delayed start due to rain in Wellington on Saturday. During the preview show on Sony Sports, former Indian player and head coach Ravi Shastri was asked to name his five pacers for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Shastri picked jasprit bumrah and Arshdeep Singh as his first two picks. Both players have been an integral part of the white-ball side, with Bumrah in particular being a key reason why the side reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
His third pick was Prasidh Krishnawith a rider that the pacer would be part of the squad if fit. The tall seamer has been plagued by fitness issues during the course of his career and has been a key bowler for India when fit.
The fourth pick was Mohammed Shamiwho recently called time on his Test career. The 36-year-old was the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 scalps from seven games. Shastri said he picked the pacer to stir the pot.
Mohammed Sirajwho has been in and out of the ODI side, was the last name on the list. The 32-year-old claimed 14 wickets in the last World Cup at home, with a best of 3/16 versus Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium.
Can Shami reclaim his spot in the ODI side?
The right-arm seamer played a key role in India’s last two ICC white-ball tournaments. Shami picked up nine wickets in the 2025 Champions Trophy, including a fifer, to help Rohit Sharma’s side win the title. He is yet to play a game for the national side since then.
Having retired from Test cricket, the next few months will be key for the pacer with the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy scheduled to start.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar did make a return to the side after four years because of his amazing IPL and domestic cricket numbers. If Shami performs well, maybe Shastri’s prediction might come true about the pacer.