Mohammed Shami Remains Determined to Return to Team India

Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has insisted that he has not given up hope of representing India again, despite being overlooked for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. The experienced pacer believes he is still performing at a high level and remains focused on proving himself through domestic cricket.

Shami’s latest comments come amid renewed questions about his fitness, workload and international future. The 36-year-old has not played for India since the Champions Trophy triumph in March 2025, where he was among the team’s leading wicket-takers.

Despite the extended absence, Shami has made it clear that his ambition to return to international cricket remains strong.

Shami Says He Is Still at His Peak

Responding to questions about his fitness and prospects of an India comeback, Shami expressed confidence in his current condition.

The fast bowler said he continued to train and believed there was no reason to abandon his goal of returning to the national side. He also stressed the importance of maintaining hope and setting goals, regardless of the stage of a player’s career.

Shami’s comments underline his determination to remain competitive even after missing several international assignments.

His experience and record with the ball make him an experienced option for India, particularly in Test and ODI cricket. However, a return will depend on his performances, fitness and the selectors’ assessment of the team’s requirements.

Why Mohammed Shami Missed Bengal’s Ranji Trophy Match

Shami’s absence from Bengal’s recent Ranji Trophy fixture against Services attracted attention, particularly because he had not been selected for India’s upcoming tour.

The pacer explained that the decision was influenced by the playing conditions. The surface at the Air Force Ground in Palam offered considerable assistance to spin bowlers, limiting the likely role of fast bowlers.

Bengal went on to secure a 60-run victory over Services. Shami suggested that playing on a pitch where seamers were unlikely to have much impact would not have been particularly beneficial, while his absence also gave younger players an opportunity to gain valuable match experience.

His explanation was intended to address speculation that he had missed the game because of fitness concerns.

India Comeback Still a Major Goal

Shami has continued to pursue his India comeback despite spending an extended period outside the national setup.

The fast bowler last represented India during the Champions Trophy in March 2025. Since then, recurring injury concerns and selection decisions have kept him away from international cricket.

Shami has claimed 462 international wickets across 197 matches, according to recent reports. He was also one of India’s standout performers during the 2023 ODI World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.

His experience could be valuable to India, but competition for places remains strong. The team management must balance the value of experienced players with fitness, workload management and preparations for upcoming international tournaments.

New Zealand Tour Snub Adds to Selection Questions

Shami’s omission from India’s upcoming New Zealand assignments has added another setback to his comeback hopes.

India’s tour includes limited-overs cricket and a Test series, offering important opportunities for players to establish themselves in the national setup. Shami, however, will need to wait for another opportunity to make his case.

The selection decision has renewed debate about how the team management views his current readiness and long-term role. Shami’s own position remains clear: he wants to keep playing and believes he can still contribute at the highest level.

A strong run in domestic cricket could help strengthen his case, although selection is never guaranteed solely on the basis of past achievements.

Can Shami Return Before the 2027 ODI World Cup?

With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, Shami’s potential return is likely to remain a topic of discussion among Indian cricket supporters.

His experience in major tournaments and ability to take wickets with the new and old ball could be valuable in the right conditions. His performance in the 2023 World Cup demonstrated his capacity to make a significant impact in one-day cricket.

However, his immediate priority will be to remain fit, perform consistently in domestic competitions and demonstrate that he can handle the demands of international cricket.

India’s selectors will ultimately decide whether he fits into their plans. Shami has expressed his determination to continue working towards that opportunity rather than giving up on his international career.

Conclusion

Mohammed Shami has reiterated that he remains hopeful of playing for India again despite missing selection for the upcoming New Zealand tour. He has also clarified that his decision to sit out Bengal’s recent Ranji Trophy match was based on the pitch conditions rather than a lack of fitness.

The experienced pacer remains confident in his abilities and continues to pursue his international ambitions. Whether that determination leads to a comeback will depend on his performances, fitness and the selectors’ plans for India’s future.