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Mohammed Shami remains determined to earn another India call-up despite missing selection for the upcoming New Zealand Test series. The Bengal fast bowler addressed questions about his fitness, domestic workload and international future after his team's Ranji Trophy victory over Services in Palam on Tuesday.
The veteran pacer explained why he missed Bengal's previous match and revealed that he had received no communication from the national selectors. However, Shami made it clear that representing India remains a target as he continues playing domestic cricket.
Mohammed Shami breaks silence on bowling shorter spells
Mohammed Shami has faced questions about his workload in domestic cricket, particularly suggestions that he has been bowling short spells before taking breaks. The veteran pacer maintained that spell lengths depend on match situations, pitch conditions and the captain's assessment rather than outside assumptions about a bowler's fitness.
"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," Mohammed Shami told reporters after Bengal's win over Services, as quoted by India Today.
He explained that captains must assess whether conditions favour pace or spin instead of following a fixed overs plan for fast bowlers.
"On a wicket like this, for example, how can it be planned that a fast bowler will bowl five or ten overs? If it is uncomfortable for a batter, the fast bowler will bowl. If we think a spinner will get the wickets, he will bowl obviously. This thing depends entirely on the game situation and pitch conditions. That is the captain's call."
Mohammed Shami also dismissed concerns about his ability to bowl for extended periods, saying he had completed a substantial training session without discomfort.
"By the way, I have bowled for one-and-a-half hours today. There was no issue. I am still at my peak. There is no point beating around the bush. However I am, I am at my peak.
Mohammed Shami explains missing Ranji Trophy match
Shami was absent from Bengal's second Ranji Trophy fixture. Coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla had previously indicated that the pacer was fit but had requested rest after a demanding outing against Delhi.
After the Services game, Mohammed Shami pointed to the Palam pitch as another factor behind his absence, arguing that playing him for a limited spell would not have benefited the team. He also highlighted the importance of giving younger players opportunities.
"You could see the condition of the pitch, right? There was no point in playing on this wicket for 2-4 overs. It was better that the youngsters got a run. The more they play, the more experiences they will get. My motive is that when the team requires me, I play. I don't think there was really a need here. I can't play as a batter obviously."
The fast bowler said missing out on the New Zealand tour squads had not left him disappointed. He views regular domestic cricket as an opportunity to maintain his rhythm ahead of upcoming tournaments, including the IPL.
"It was not about disappointment. I played all the matches last season as well. My motive is that I play as much as I can in the upcoming tournaments. Nobody knows when anybody would be needed," he said.
"For me, it is good even for IPL preparation if I keep playing domestic cricket. As long as I play a lot of matches, my rhythm will be good. If I am with the team, the atmosphere will be good. These are the things that I try to do."
Mohammed Shami opens up on no communication from selectors
Shami was direct when asked whether the national selectors had contacted him regarding his India future.
"I am not with the team. I am not contracted. Why will anybody talk to me right now?," he said.
He also avoided looking too far ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, preferring to focus on his immediate performances and improvement. However, Shami left no doubt that he still hopes to represent India again.
"I don't think that far ahead. You never know what will happen in life. You don't know who will score runs or take wickets. There is no point thinking that far ahead. Just keep playing the matches. Just keep improving," he said.
"Why will I leave hope? The hope should always be there. In any profession, you shouldn't leave hope. You should always have a goal. I don't deny that I have that goal."
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