Mohammed Shami Vows India Comeback After New Zealand Squad Omission
NEW DELHI: Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has declared that he remains at the peak of his powers and is determined to regain his place in the national team despite being left out of India’s multi-format tour of New Zealand. The 36-year-old pacer, whose international career has recently been plagued by persistent leg injuries, expressed unshakeable confidence in his physical fitness and ongoing ability to perform at the highest level of international cricket.
Shami, who last represented India during their victorious Champions Trophy campaign in March 2025 where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker, emphasized that maintaining ambitious goals is essential for any professional athlete. Addressing recent decisions regarding his domestic appearances, Shami clarified that his exclusion from Bengal’s Ranji Trophy fixture against Services was strictly a tactical maneuver due to pitch conditions favoring spin bowling rather than a reflection of his physical conditioning. “In any profession, you shouldn’t leave hope. You should always have a goal,” Shami stated, reaffirming that he is still training vigorously and retains his competitive edge.
With a career tally of 462 international wickets in 197 matches across all formats, Shami’s absence creates a temporary void in India’s pace attack as selectors balance workload management and long-term fast-bowling options. His resilience highlights the challenges seasoned fast bowlers face while navigating fitness hurdles alongside intense domestic competition, particularly as younger pacers push for permanent international slots across formats.
As India prepares for its upcoming series in New Zealand, Shami will focus on upcoming domestic fixtures to demonstrate his match fitness and match-winning rhythm. Indian selectors and team management are expected to closely monitor his performances in the Ranji Trophy before deciding on his inclusion for subsequent international assignments and upcoming major ICC events.