Countdown begins for Shami’s return, Sultan of Swing is getting ready for New Zealand ODI series

News India Live, Digital Desk: Today is the last day of the year 2025 and as we are moving towards the new year 2026, a good news is coming out for Indian cricket lovers. Shami, who was away from the field for some time due to injury and long recovery period, is now desperate to take the field for the ODI series against New Zealand (India vs New Zealand ODI). The team was lacking experience! No matter what the format, Mohammed Shami’s speed after the seam and tapp falling from his hands is enough to create fear in the minds of the opposition batsmen. In the last few tours and series, Team India definitely missed that experience of Shami. If reports are to be believed, the team management and selectors now seem to be satisfied with Shami’s fitness and preparations are being made to test him directly in the ODI series against a big team like New Zealand. If reports are to be believed, Shami has worked hard on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). While bowling in the nets, his pace and length seem to have returned to their old rhythm. Team India currently has many young fast bowlers, but considering the goals of 2026, a seasoned player like Shami is the life of the team. Why is Shami important on New Zealand pitches? Swing bowlers play the biggest role in the ODI series against New Zealand. Shami’s art of making the ball dance in the New Zealand winds helps the team a lot in getting early breakthroughs. If Shami comes back, then Team India’s bowling attack along with Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj will become the most lethal in the world. Prayers of fans and new beginning The years 2024 and 2025 have been physically challenging for Shami, but this report of December 31 has brought a smile to the fans. We all have seen that whenever Shami has made a comeback, he has shown his old threat. The hope is that the year 2026 will start with New Zealand wickets.