Mohammed Shami has said it would not be his loss if he does not get another opportunity to represent India, days after fellow veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled to the T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Shami, 36, last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy. He lost his place in the team in late 2023 after an impressive campaign at the ODI World Cup, following which an injury and subsequent fitness issues kept him out of action until early 2025.
Although Shami returned to international cricket for the Champions Trophy, he has not featured for India in any format since then. The selectors, with former chief selector Ajit Agarkar repeatedly raising concerns over his fitness, have continued to look at younger pace options, including Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana.
Meanwhile, Shami has continued to play domestic cricket and has put in consistent performances. Bhuvneshwar’s return to the T20I setup after more than four years, on the back of his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has also renewed calls for Shami to be considered for an India comeback.
Speaking to Revsportz, Shami said Bhuvneshwar’s selection did not concern him and that his focus remained on performing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar got the chance to play for India, and that’s good for him. But his selection doesn’t concern me. Wherever I get the chance to play, I will give my best. Right now, my focus is firmly on this Ranji match. The same thing has been happening with me for the last two or three years. I have been performing and have proved my fitness for Bengal. If I don’t get the chance to play for India again, it’s not my loss,” Shami said.
The discussion around experienced pacers such as Shami and Bhuvneshwar has gained momentum amid questions over India’s pace-bowling options. The current crop of fast bowlers has faced challenges during the ongoing series against the West Indies, particularly on batting-friendly pitches, prompting renewed calls for the team management to consider experienced alternatives.
