Mohammed Shami continues to push for another opportunity with the Indian team despite being out of the scheme of things. The veteran pacer has dropped some strong performances in Ranji Trophy and featured regularly for Bengal across formats to showcase his fitness levels, but his efforts have so far failed to secure him a national recall.
Mohammed Shami aiming for India return?
Concerns over Shami's ability to handle the workload of red-ball cricket continue to remain under the doubtful clouds. Recently, Chief selector Ajit Agarkar noted that the 35-year-old pacer is currently good enough to play T20 cricket rather than the longer format.
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With this, there was no surprise that Shami was left out from India's squad for the upcoming two-Test assignment in Sri Lanka. However, continuous injuries to several of India's frontline pacers have intensified the debate around the veteran seamer, with growing demands for the selectors to rethink the possibility of having him back for national duties.
Shami's coach Badruddin Siddique has revealed that the experienced speedster is currently in a positive frame of mind with the new season coming around to keep himself prepared for another chance with India if the selectors decide to bring him back.
"Shami’s mood is positive. He is quite motivated for the next season," said Badruddin to India Today.
Badruddin also noted that India's pace bowling endured a disappointing performance during the recent ODI series in England to back Shami's case for a national comeback. He believes that the right-arm pacer could play a pivotal role for India in the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup.
“India did not bowl well in England, where the fast bowlers get a lot of help. Shami could have been really useful there. It is not easy to bowl in South Africa. You need experience there," added Badruddin.
How Mohammed Shami fared in Champions Trophy 2025?
Mohammed Shami played a big role in India's ICC Champions Trophy triumph, clinching a total of 9 wickets in just five games, finishing as India's joint-highest wicket-taker in the competition along with Varun Chakaravarthy. He recorded his best bowling figures of 5/53 in the opening group-stage game against Bangladesh.