Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami dismissed ongoing criticism of his fitness and bowling rhythm during Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi in Kalyani, stating that his focus remains entirely on playing cricket rather than responding to outside chatter about an international recall.
Mohammed Shami delivered a stellar performance on Day 1 of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy clash against Delhi at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground in Kalyani, claiming 4 wickets for 30 runs in 17.3 overs, including nine maidens, to help bowl Delhi out for 240 according to reporting from Hindustan Times. Yet the immediate post-match conversation quickly pivoted away from his bowling figures and back toward his prolonged absence from the Indian national team.
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Mohammed Shami Responds to Fitness Critics After Ranji Opener
Speaking to reporters after dismantling Delhi’s top and middle order—dismissing Yash Dhull, Ayush Doseja, Hrithik Shokeen, and Divij Mehra—the 36-year-old pacer addressed public speculation regarding his physical condition and international prospects.
People perhaps enjoy looking and passing comments more. They say the rhythm isn’t there, that he doesn’t look fit, or whatever else. It doesn’t bother me. I’m on the ground, I’m playing, and I’m playing wherever I’m given a chance.
Mohammed Shami, fast bowler, via NDTV Sports
Shami has remained outside the national setup since the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025 as detailed by Livemint. Despite impressive domestic numbers—including 37 wickets in seven matches during last season’s Ranji Trophy campaign, 15 wickets in seven matches during the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, and seven wickets during the victorious Duleep Trophy campaign—selectors have repeatedly overlooked the veteran pacer for upcoming squads noted NDTV Sports. Throughout his international career, Shami has represented India in 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is, taking 229, 206, and 27 wickets respectively.
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Mohammed Shami Welcomes Bhuvneshwar Kumar Back to Squad
The latest selection snub arrived when India named its squad for the upcoming T20I tour of New Zealand, a roster that notably featured the return of 36-year-old swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar after a four-year gap reported Khel Now. Rather than expressing frustration over his own omission, Shami welcomed his contemporary’s international return highlighted Hindustan Times.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar got the chance to play for India, and that’s good for him. But his selection doesn’t concern me.
Mohammed Shami, fast bowler, via Yahoo Sports
When asked directly if missing out on another national squad felt like a personal blow, Shami offered a blunt assessment reported Yahoo Sports.
Right now, my focus is firmly on this Ranji match.
Mohammed Shami, fast bowler, via Yahoo Sports
Pundits Debate Shami’s 2027 World Cup Prospects
Bhuvneshwar’s surprise comeback sparked widespread discussion across cricket media regarding whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India might also reconsider senior players ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup reported DNA India. Former opener Aakash Chopra rejected viral social media theories claiming that outgoing chief selector Ajit Agarkar had single-handedly blocked Shami and Bhuvneshwar from selection explained Sportscape Magazine.
It is not possible because it is a five-member selection committee. I can actually vouch that I have spoken to the selectors, and all of them are on the same page,
Chopra stated on his digital channel noted DNA India. Chopra noted that while Shami’s name remains part of discussions for upcoming ODI assignments against New Zealand, proving sustained bowling workloads in multi-day domestic cricket will dictate his viability for the 2027 global tournament reported Sportscape Magazine. Reports have similarly indicated differing opinions within the team management regarding his inclusion.
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Conversely, former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik offered a different perspective on Shami’s international horizon, suggesting that national selectors have effectively moved past the veteran fast bowler reported Rediff.
Bengal Pace Attack Controls Delhi in Ranji Trophy Opener
Back on the domestic circuit, Shami’s immediate priority remains leading Bengal’s bowling attack alongside in-form teammates Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep reported Telegraph India. Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla praised the senior fast bowler’s relentless work ethic during training sessions at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground noted Telegraph India.
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A young player should learn the level of commitment from Shami,
Shukla said reported Telegraph India. Operating on a sporting pitch with healthy grass cover alongside left-armer Pradipta Pramanik and spin options like Aamir Gani or Karan Lal, Shami restricted his bowling stints to control proceedings reported Telegraph India. His disciplined figures of 4/30 limited Delhi’s batters—including top-scorer Hrithik Shokeen with 56 runs off 98 balls—and anchored Bengal’s control on the opening day reported Indiatimes.