Despite being overlooked for India's upcoming tour of New Zealand, veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami remains confident about his fitness and is determined to make a comeback to the national team. The experienced pacer has insisted that he is bowling with good rhythm and remains focused on improving his skills through domestic cricket.
Speaking after the Ranji Trophy match between Bengal and Services, Shami said he had no intention of giving up hope of returning to international cricket, emphasising the importance of maintaining goals and staying motivated.
"Why will I leave hope? The hope should always be there," Shami said. He added that every player should continue working towards a goal, regardless of the challenges they face.
Shami Unfazed by Selection Snub
Shami last represented India during the Champions Trophy in March 2025, where he finished as one of the team's leading wicket-takers with nine wickets, alongside Varun Chakaravarthy.
Since then, he has continued to feature in domestic cricket across formats and the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, his name was once again missing when India's Test and ODI squads for the New Zealand tour were announced.
The selection of Bhuvneshwar Kumar for India's T20I squad had raised hopes that the selectors might also consider Shami for an international return. Nevertheless, the experienced fast bowler maintained that he was not particularly disappointed by the omission.
"It was not about disappointment. I played all the matches last season as well. My motive is that I play as much as I can in the upcoming tournaments," he said.
Shami explained that regular match practice would help him maintain his rhythm and prepare for upcoming assignments, including the IPL. He also stressed that staying involved in competitive cricket was essential to ensuring he remained ready whenever the team needed him.
'I Am Still at My Peak'
Responding to questions about his fitness, Shami firmly dismissed concerns over his ability to bowl and insisted that his current condition could be judged by his training and performances.
"I am still at my peak. You all can see it for yourselves, I trained today and yesterday as well," he said.
Shami's absence from Bengal's second Ranji Trophy match against Services had prompted questions about his workload. However, he clarified that his decision not to bowl was based on the conditions rather than any fitness concerns.
According to Shami, the pitch offered assistance to spinners, making it more beneficial to give younger bowlers an opportunity to gain experience. He explained that fast bowlers' workloads should depend on match situations, pitch conditions and the captain's assessment.
He also rejected the suggestion that an outside observer could determine whether he was capable of bowling long spells, arguing that such decisions depended on the team's requirements.
Strong Start to the Domestic Season
Shami began the domestic season with an impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy, featuring in all three matches and taking seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the semi-final.
He subsequently missed out on selection for the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup but returned to action in the Ranji Trophy, claiming five wickets against Delhi, including four in the first innings.
The Bengal fast bowler has continued training regularly and remains committed to playing as many matches as possible to maintain his match fitness and bowling rhythm.
Shami Praises Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Return
Shami also welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the Indian T20I squad after nearly four years away from international cricket. He praised Bhuvneshwar's performances and suggested that the experienced seamer deserved an earlier recall.
"The way Bhuvneshwar has performed, his selection should have happened much earlier," Shami said.
Shami, however, revealed that he had not been in contact with the selectors or the selection committee under its new chairman, explaining that he was currently outside the national setup.
Bengal Cricket Remains Close to His Heart
Despite uncertainty surrounding his international future, Shami reaffirmed his commitment to Bengal cricket and emphasised the importance of domestic competitions in developing players.
He described domestic cricket as the ideal platform for players to regain rhythm, improve their performances and prepare for higher levels of competition.
Shami also expressed his loyalty to Bengal, crediting the team for playing a significant role in shaping his career. He said he intended to finish his career with the side, regardless of the level at which he was playing.
For Shami, dedication, hard work and continued improvement remain the priorities, while selection decisions are beyond his control.
Focus on the Present, Not the 2027 World Cup
When asked whether he was targeting a place in India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Shami avoided making any long-term commitments.
Instead, he said his immediate priority was to keep playing, improve his skills and maintain his fitness rather than worry about what might happen in the future.
The experienced pacer remains determined to make the most of his opportunities in domestic cricket and believes consistent performances will keep him prepared for any potential international comeback.
With his focus firmly on the present, Shami will look to demonstrate his fitness and form through continued performances for Bengal as he waits for another opportunity to represent India.