Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has come up with a blunt response and expressed his frustration openly after being constantly ignored by selectors. However, the veteran bowler is determined enough to make
his way back in the team, insisting that he is at the peak of his fitness despite being overlooked for the all-format tour of New Zealand.
Shami was last part of the Indian squad in March 2025, during Champions Trophy 2026, where he finished as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets in the tournament. The 36-year-old has been proving his mettle in domestic cricket, but is still being overlooked by the management time and again. Meanwhile, his contemporary Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made his return after a gap of nearly four years.
Question – Did you have any communication with the selectors or anyone else? (Sports Tak).
Mohammed Shami – “Sir main team me nhi hu, contract me nhi hu, to mujhse kaun karega baat’ (Sir, I’m not part of the team, I’m not in central contract, so why would anyone talk to me?”. https://t.co/ia7LcJGnYI
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) October 21, 2026
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There is always a goal and there should be a goal: Mohammed Shami
As Bengal recorded a 60-run win over Services, Shami said that the prospect of representing India again on the international level motivates him. “Hope should always be there (for India comeback). In any profession, in any sport, you should have a goal. Everyone has a goal. Today we are playing for Ranji Trophy and playing for the title. There is always a goal and there should be a goal,” he said.
Speaking about his return to team India, he said that he doesn’t have any idea about when he will return to the national side. “Nobody 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,” he added.
Shami also had a blunt response for the selection and said, “Sir, I am not in the Indian team, who will talk to me? And why will they talk to me?” However, he reiterated his connection with Bengal and credited the side for his career he has built.
“This team has given me this name. This is all because of this team. The day I end my career, it will be with this team. You should be loyal, you should be dedicated. Nothing else is in your hands,” he stated.
