'Cricket is still left in me...': Mohammed Shami issues strong statement on fitness and availability ahead of India vs South Africa series

Veteran speedster Mohammed Shami confirmed that he is fit and ready to make an India comeback after exceptional performances in the season's first two Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal.

Shami's performance for Bengal

Shami, who was snubbed from India's squad, picked up an eight-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy 2025 clash against Gujarat at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Notably, the 35-year-old's last international outing came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, where India defeated New Zealand to win the title. Shami, who made his comeback in the mega event after a long injury layoff, picked up nine wickets in five outings of the tournament.

"A lot of hard work is there and I believe luck too plays a part. Every person wants to play for the country. So, I am ready for that (again)," Shami told reporters after his five-wicket haul in Gujarat's second innings.

"My motivation is to stay fit and be available for the Indian team at all times. In the ground, I will continue to perform and the rest is on the selectors' hands" added Shami

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Cricket is still left in me: Mohammed Shami

Shami who made his cricketing comeback after getting injured during the ODI World Cup 2025 said that there is still cricket left in him.

He added, "It's a relief. Mentally, physically, it feels very good, because, you are coming back from such a difficult time (injury), and you stay on the ground after that.

"After that, all the things... Ranji Trophy, domestic season, white ball cricket, then IPL, Champions Trophy, then Duleep Trophy, and now these two matches. So, the rhythm, the flow was there. Now it feels like cricket is still there (left in me)."

Shami's exceptional final-day spell helped Bengal beat Gujarat for the first time in the Ranji Trophy since 2003.

India vs South Africa ODI series schedule

India and South Africa will play a three-match ODI series against each other, which is scheduled to start from November 30 and the first clash will take place in Ranchi.