Shami says he is at his peak and hopes for India recall despite being left out of squads
Bengal pacer Mohammed Shami said at a press conference that he is bowling at his best and that his hope of playing for the country remains alive.
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India's experienced and star fast bowler Mohammed Shami continues to be overlooked by the selection committee, but he has not given up. Shami, who plays domestic cricket for Bengal, said at a press conference that every player has a goal and that his hope of playing for the country is still alive. He also spoke openly about his form and fitness.
Asked about the selectors' indifference and his exclusion from the squads for upcoming tours, Shami answered with full confidence: "Sir, we are still playing well and are at our peak. There is no point lying. We are playing well just as we are." He added that he is still bowling at his best. His focus, he said, is not on who is being selected or not, but only on what is in his hands.
Shami played his last international match for India in March 2025 and has been out of the side since. Given the concerns over India's pace bowling in the white-ball formats, the demand for his return has grown louder. Meanwhile, his contemporary, 36-year-old fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, has returned to the Indian team after nearly four years. Welcoming Bhuvneshwar's return, Shami said that in view of his current excellent form, it should have come much earlier.
On being left out of the all-format squads for the New Zealand tour, Shami said he is not disappointed. His words were: "One should always have hope. In any business or sport, you should have a goal. We are playing the Ranji Trophy today and winning the title is our goal. My goal is absolutely clear: to play as much cricket as possible. I played all the matches of the last domestic season too."
Shami also recalled the Bengal cricket team's contribution to his career. He said that as long as he keeps playing, he will give 100 per cent to this team. Becoming emotional, he said: "This team gave me my identity. Whatever I am today, I am because of this team. And when I say goodbye to my career, I will end it with this team." Fans, meanwhile, are waiting to see when Mohammed Shami will get a place in the side.
