Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami, who last made an appearance for the national team in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, has revealed that he has already cleared the Bronco test. This statement comes after it was recently reported that the test will soon be introduced to the Indian team.
Shami, who wasn't able to find a place in India's 15-member squad for Asia Cup, remarked that he currently has no hope of making a return to the international circuit, but added that he will be trying his level-best to perform well in domestic cricket. Notably, despite being available for the Men in Blue's tour of Australia and England, the 34-year-old wasn't able to convince the selectors as there were still a lot of doubts regarding his fitness.
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"Right now, I don't have any hope (about my international return). If they play me, I'll try to perform and give my 100 percent. Whether they play me or not, that's not in my hands. If I'm playing the Duleep Trophy, five-day cricket, I'm available for all formats. I was called to Bengaluru, and I have cleared the fitness test (Bronco), and now I'm ready to go back," Shami told News24.
Though Shami failed to make it to India's squad for Asia Cup, he decided to not make a big deal about it and didn't blame the selectors for him omission from the team.
"I don't blame anyone for non-selection or complain about it. If I'm right for the team, select me; if I'm not, then I have no issues with it. Selectors have the responsibility to do what's best for Team India. I have a belief in my abilities that if and when I'm granted an opportunity, I'll give my best. I'm working hard," Shami stated.
Shami to play for East Zone
Meanwhile, Shami will be featuring for the East Zone in Duleep Trophy and his aim will be to put in a good performance with the ball. This will be his first competitive assignment since IPL 2025 where he featured for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He wasn't able to make much of an impact during the tournament and finished with just 10 wickets under his belt from 9 matches. The 34-year-old will need to massively improve his form with the ball in order to make a comeback into the Indian team.