‘Who will talk to me and why?’: Mohammed Shami’s blunt view after being overlooked by Indian selectors

Mohammed Shami (PTI Photo) Mohammed Shami remains determined to fight his way back into the Indian team, insisting he is still at the peak of his fitness despite being overlooked for the upcoming full-format tour of New Zealand.The 36-year-old fast bowler, who last represented India in March 2025, has been left out of the squad for the New Zealand tour, although questions remain over the team’s bowling resources, particularly in the shorter formats. Meanwhile, his contemporary Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to the national side after almost four years.Speaking to reporters after Bengal’s Ranji Trophy win over Services, Shami made it clear that the prospect of playing for India again continues to motivate him. He also stressed that he remains committed to domestic cricket and has no intention of abandoning his ambitions.“Hope should always be there (for India’s comeback). In any profession, in any sport, you should have a goal. Everyone has a goal. Today we are playing for the Ranji Trophy and we are playing for the title. There is always a goal and there should be a goal,” Shami said.When the reporter mentioned a time when he was at the peak of his fitness, the pacer was quick to challenge the notion that those days are behind him.“Sir, aaj bhi hum peak par hi hain (I am still at my peak). There is no point in lying. Ham jaise bhi hain apne peak par hain (I am very much at my peak),” said Shami, who did not field against Services due to conditions.

“No one knows when and where I will have to play for India”

Shami insisted that missing out on the New Zealand tour did not disappoint him. Instead, he focuses on playing regularly, keeping a rhythm and being ready for any opportunity that comes his way.“It’s not about disappointment. I played the whole domestic season last year too. I played all the games. My motive is the same. I should play as much as possible. I should be ready for all the upcoming series and tournaments.”“No one knows when and where I will have to play for India. Even for IPL, playing domestic cricket will be good for me. If I play domestic or white ball, my preparation will be the same. I will play as many matches as I can. My rhythm will be good.”The fast bowler also played down the need to look too far ahead to next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa, saying his immediate priority is to keep improving.“I don’t think so yet. We are playing cricket today. We don’t know what will happen to whom tomorrow or what the situation will be. There is no point in thinking yet.“Whatever games you get, you keep playing and you keep improving. I always say you should focus on your skills, your fitness,” he said.

Shami’s blunt response to communication with selectors

When asked if he had spoken to the national selectors in the past year, Shami responded with a pointed question of his own, highlighting his absence from the Indian team.“Sir, I am not in the Indian team, who will talk to me? And why will they talk to me?” he said.While Shami remains out of the national set-up, he welcomed Bhuvneshwar’s return, suggesting the veteran seamer’s form warranted an early recall.Shami also reiterated his strong association with Bengal, crediting the team for the career he has built and vowing to remain committed to his side.“This team gave me this name. It’s all because of this team. The day I retire, it will be with this team. You should be loyal, you should be dedicated. Nothing else is in your hands,” he said.