I’m still on top, why am I giving up on India’s hopes, asks Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami walked out of the Bengal dressing room knowing there would be no easy questions. The veteran fast bowler, who missed India’s next selection and sat out Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Services, was ready to speak. He was measured in his answers, occasionally joking with reporters about their attempts to drag him into controversy. But when questions turned to his fitness and workload, Shami didn’t hold back.

How could people watching from the outside decide how many overs he should bowl? Why should a fast bowler continue to bowl when the pitch and match situation demanded otherwise?

Shami has responded to criticism that he has played short spells in domestic cricket, sometimes just three overs, before breaks. The 36-year-old questioned the basis of such an assessment, insisting that the bowling changes were dictated by conditions and team requirements rather than the bowler’s individual prowess.

“How can an outsider decide whether I will play long spells or not? It depends on the requirements of the team. It’s not like I continue after the game is over,” Shami told reporters after Bengal’s win over Services in Palam on Tuesday.

“For example, on a wicket like that, how do you plan for a fast bowler to bowl five or ten pitches? If it’s uncomfortable for the batsman, the fast bowler will bowl. If we think the batsman will get wickets, of course he will bowl. This thing depends entirely on the game situation and the pitch conditions. That’s the captain’s call.”

Shami then offered more details about his preparation. “By the way, I played for one and a half hours today. No problem.”

When asked if age has affected his fitness, Shami was even more emphatic. “I’m still at my peak. There’s no point in beating around the bush. Whatever I am, I’m at my peak.”

WHY WAS SHAMI SITTING?

Shami did not feature in Bengal’s second Ranji Trophy match despite the absence of Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar who were out of India A duty.He played the opening match against Delhi in Kalyani and returned figures of four for 30 in 17.3 overs, including nine maidens.

His absence in Palam raised questions, especially as it came shortly after he was overlooked for India’s two-Test tour of New Zealand.

After the opening day’s play, Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla clarified that Shami was fit and asked for rest after a heavy workload against Delhi. Shukla described the fast bowler as a “cheetah” and said his rest also allowed Bengal to test the younger players.

Shami offered his own explanation after the service match, pointing to the nature of the Palam pitch.

“You could see the state of the pitch, right? It didn’t make sense to play 2-4 overs on this wicket. It was better for the youngsters to get going. The more they play, the more experience they will get. My motive is that when the team requires me, I play. I don’t think it was really needed here. Of course I can’t play as a batsman.”

Although he was not in the playing eleven, Shami remained involved with the team throughout the match. He worked out on the eve of the game, spent time talking with the Bengals’ physical therapist, and was seen taking batting practice near a screen after the opening day. He was also seen helping to carry an ice box to the ground.

Before the third day of play, Shami said he spent 90 minutes bowling in practice. His presence in the team and continued training offered a different picture than the speculation surrounding his absence.

ARE YOU WATCHING THE 2027 WORLD CUP?

Shami’s latest comments come against the backdrop of yet another missed opportunity to return to international cricket. Despite his domestic performances he was not included in the Indian Test squad for New Zealand or the India A team for multi-day matches preceding the series.

Last season, Shami took 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal at an average of 16.72, including three five-wicket hauls. His best figures were eight for 90.

Still, Shami insisted he was not disappointed with the latest selection decision and wanted to focus on playing as much cricket as possible.

“It was not a matter of disappointment. I played all the matches last season as well. My motive is to play as much as possible in the upcoming tournaments. Nobody knows when someone will be needed,” he said.

“It’s good for me and for the IPL preparation if I keep playing domestic cricket. As long as I play a lot of matches, my rhythm will be good. When I’m with the team, there will be a good atmosphere. Those are the things I try to do.”

NO CALLS TO VOTERS

When asked if he still considered himself among the best fast bowlers in India, Shami refused to assess his own status.

“I can’t boast. That’s something you’ll have to ask all of you,” he said, adding that it was his responsibility to do his best for whatever team he represented.

Asked if there had been any communication with the national electorate, Shami offered a terse answer.

“I’m not with the team. I’m not under contract. Why would anyone talk to me now?”

Shami also welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian teamsaid the veteran pacer should have been called off much earlier based on his performances. He then joked that reporters were trying to drag him into another controversy.

As for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Shami was not willing to make predictions or set a distant target.

“I don’t think that far ahead. You never know what’s going to happen in life. You don’t know who’s going to score runs or wickets. There’s no point in thinking that far ahead. Just keep playing matches. Just keep improving,” he said.

But when asked if the desire to play for India is still alive, his answer was unequivocal.

“Why am I going to give up hope? Hope should always be there. In any profession, you shouldn’t give up hope. You should always have a goal. I don’t deny that I have that goal.”

BENGAL IS SPECIAL: SHAMI

For Shami, continuing to play domestic cricket means more than just staying ready for the next opportunity in India. Bengal, he said, remains the focal point of his cricketing journey.

“This is the team that gave me my name. All these cameras and questions trying to trap me are because of this team. And whenever I retire, it will be with this team,” Shami said.

“Grade or level doesn’t matter. You should have loyalty and hard work. That’s what I do. Just that I’m in control. I don’t control the rest. Just keep playing. That’s my mindset.”

Shami is yet to make any promises about India’s return or the next World Cup. He is content to keep turning to Bengal, maintaining his rhythm and answering questions about his cricket with more cricket.

– The end