Shami holds on to hope of India recall after Ranji omission
Mohammed Shami was part of Bengal’s practice session but did not feature in the playing XI for the Ranji Trophy match against Services at Palam, a day after India named Test and ODI squads for the tour of New Zealand. He addressed his absence the following day and responded to questions about his fitness and selection prospects.
“You could see the condition of the pitch, right? There was no point in playing on this wicket and bowling two to four overs. It was better that the youngsters got a run. The more they play, the more experience they will get. My motive is that when the team requires me, I will play. I don’t think there was really a need here. I can’t play as a batter,” he said. Shami’s comments referred to a spin-friendly surface; only one wicket in the match fell to a pacer, taken by younger brother Mohammed Kaif.
Shami’s absence from the playing XI had prompted speculation after his continued absence from India’s plans over the last 18 months, but the 36-year-old sought to set the record straight on Tuesday. That context fuelled theories about his fitness following squad announcements for the New Zealand tour.
Countering suggestions that his domestic spells have been brief or lacking intensity, Shami said: “How can anyone else from the outside decide whether I bowl long spells or not? That is dependent on the demands of the team. It is not like I will keep bowling over after over. This depends entirely on the game situation and pitch conditions. By the way, I bowled for one-and-a-half hours in training today. There was no issue.”
Shami last appeared for India in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, and at 36 his chances of an India recall may be viewed as limited; nevertheless, he insisted he would not abandon his aim of returning. “Why should I give up hope? The hope should always be there. In any profession, you should always have a goal. I don’t deny I have that goal”.
India’s Test and ODI squads for the tour of New Zealand were announced a day earlier.
