Mohammed Shami is not giving up on playing for India again. He was left out of the New Zealand tour, but he still believes he can return. Shami says he is fully fit. He also says he is bowling with good rhythm.
Shami last played for India in March 2025. That was at the Champions Trophy. He was one of India’s top wicket-takers in that event. Since then, he has played domestic cricket and the IPL. But the selectors have not picked him.
There was some hope that a new selection committee might bring him back. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled to the T20I side after nearly four years. That made people wonder if Shami would also get a call. But when the Test and ODI squads for New Zealand were announced, Shami’s name was missing again.
Shami was asked if he felt disappointed. He said it was not about disappointment. He said he wants to play as many matches as he can. He feels playing domestic cricket keeps him ready for the IPL. It also keeps his rhythm good. He said nobody knows when a player will be needed.
Shami played all three Duleep Trophy matches this season. He took seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the semi-final. He was not picked for the Irani Cup after that. In the first Ranji Trophy match, he took five wickets against Delhi. He did not play Bengal’s second Ranji match against Services.
That decision was not about fitness. The pitch was helpful to spinners. Shami wanted to give younger bowlers a chance. He was seen practising with bat and ball at the nets during the match. The game ended in three days.
Shami was asked about his fitness. He said he is still at his best. He pointed out that he trained on both days. He said there was no point in bowling two or four overs on that pitch. He felt it was better for the youngsters to get experience. He said his aim is to play when the team needs him. He also said that he cannot play as a batter.
Shami said people outside the team cannot decide how many overs he should bowl. That depends on the match situation. It depends on the pitch and what the captain wants. Shami said he is committed to Bengal cricket. He said Bengal gave him his name. He said he will finish his career with Bengal. He said loyalty and hard work are in his control. The rest is not.
Shami also said he has not spoken to the selectors. He is not in the team, so there has been no contact. He was happy about Bhuvneshwar’s return. He said Bhuvneshwar’s performances deserved a call-up much earlier.
Shami was asked about his future and the 2027 ODI World Cup. He did not give a clear answer. He said he does not think that far ahead. He said life can change quickly. He said he just wants to keep playing and improving. He said his focus is on his skill and fitness. For now, he is enjoying domestic cricket.
Why Was Mohammed Shami Not Selected Despite Strong Ranji Trophy Form?
Mohammed Shami was not picked for India’s squads for the New Zealand tour. The BCCI announced the Test and ODI squads on October 16. His name was missing again. Fans were disappointed. Now the reason has come out. The selectors and team management feel Shami cannot bowl long spells. That is why they are choosing younger bowlers.
Shami has been trying to return to the Indian team for a long time. He was not picked under previous chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Many thought the change in the selection committee might help him. Pragyan Ojha is now the chief selector. New Zealand seemed like a good place for a comeback. But it did not happen.
Shami has been doing well in domestic cricket. He took a five-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi. He took eight wickets in that match.
Shami also spoke about being left out repeatedly. He said it is not his loss if he does not play for India again. He said Bhuvneshwar Kumar got a chance, and that is good for him. But Bhuvneshwar’s selection does not concern him. Shami said he will give his best wherever he gets to play. He said his focus is on the Ranji match.
Shami said the same thing has been happening to him for two or three years. He said he has been performing and has proved his fitness for Bengal. He repeated that if he does not get a chance to play for India again, it is not his loss.
FAQs
Q. When did Mohammed Shami last play for India?
A. Shami last played for India during the Champions Trophy in March 2025.
Q. How many wickets did Shami take in the Duleep Trophy?
A. Shami took seven wickets in three matches, including a five-wicket haul in the semi-final.
Q. Has Shami spoken to the Indian selectors?
A. No, Shami said he has not spoken to the selectors since being left out.
Q. Is Shami targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup?
A. Shami has not made a clear decision and is focusing on his fitness and bowling.
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