All in God’s hands but working hard: Shami keeps India’s comeback hopes alive
Mohammed Shami may be out of the Indian set-up, but the veteran fast bowler has shown no signs of letting the uncertainty surrounding his international future affect his motivation. Shami, fresh from helping East Zone win the Duleep Trophy, insists that the desire to keep improving remains unchanged.
The 36-year-old has continued in domestic cricket since his last appearance for India in March 2025, with his last appearance coming in memorable Duleep Trophy final. Speaking to reporters after East Zone’s triumph in Chennai, Shami explained how he is staying driven despite the chatter surrounding his comeback.
“There are plenty of reasons to stay motivated if you look for them. You can draw positivity from this country or any country you step into. At this level, if you’re not self-motivated, your attitude is wrong.”
Shami also made it clear that his approach does not change depending on the stage of his career or the importance of a particular match.
“Whether it’s your first game or your 100th game, it doesn’t matter – the effort and attitude remains exactly the same,” he said.
The Duleep Trophy triumph was particularly special for Shami as it came in his 100th first-class match as East Zone ended a 13-year wait for the title. He played his part with the ball and claimed the important wickets of Ravichandran Smaran and Sheikh Rasheed as they were bowled out for 336.
CAN SHAMI BRING BACK INDIA?
The West Indies series is now ruled out as an opportunity for a comeback, the next realistic window for Shami is India’s tour of New Zealand. India will play five ODIs from November 4-15, followed by two Tests, giving the veteran a potential chance to make his case in a format where his experience remains particularly valuable.
The ODI series also carries added significance with the 2027 World Cup looming. India are already starting to shape their 50-over combination for the tournament and Shami’s experience could be valuable if he proves his fitness and effectiveness in New Zealand, especially as workload management around Jasprit Bumrah becomes an important factor.
The two Tests in New Zealand could offer another route back to the red-ball set-up, while Australia’s five-Test tour of India begins in January 2027. But for now, the New Zealand ODIs stand out as Shami’s clearest potential opening for a return to international cricket.
SHAMI’S WORK CONTINUES
The Bengal pacer has remained active across formats over the last 18 months. Before the Duleep Trophy, he took 36 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, 16 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 15 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2025-26 domestic season, while he bowled 62 overs during the Duleep Trophy.
Shami has avoided being drawn into selection discussions, instead focusing on what he can control. His Duleep Trophy campaign and 100th first-class appearance provided another reminder that he remains invested in competing at the highest level.
There was no sign of the player slowing down in Chennai. Finding movement on a surface that offered little to the fast bowlers, Shami celebrated the East Zone title with his teammates and walked away with another home run. West Indies’ door may have closed but New Zealand offers another opportunity and with the 2027 World Cup starting to shape India’s ODI plans, Shami has plenty of reason to continue what he has done throughout his career – turn up and put in the work.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
11 September 2026, 9:30 AM IST