Cricket
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Mohammed Shami still has hopes of returning to the Indian cricket team despite not being a part of the set-up and not having a central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The pacer says he wants to focus on his domestic game first before contemplating his international career.
Speaking at a press conference after Bengal’s Ranji Trophy 2026 victory over Services, Shami said he hadn’t spoken to any selectors about his potential recall to the Indian team.
Pacer Mohammed Shami, currently without a BCCI central contract, is focusing on performing well in domestic cricket for Bengal. He stated he has not discussed his potential return with selectors but still harbors hopes of representing India again.
“I am not in the team and I am not under a central contract. Who will talk to me, and why would they?” he said.
However, the veteran pacer says he hasn’t given up on his dreams and hopes to add more to his legacy. He says players need to have goals in any field or profession, and right now, he wants to help Bengal win Ranji Trophy.
” Why would I give up hope? Hope should always be there. In any profession or sport, you must have a goal. Right now, our goal is playing the Ranji Trophy to win for our state. There will always be goals, and they should be pursued. I certainly don’t deny having goals,” he said.
Why Mohammed Shami Missed Bengal’s Ranji Trophy Match
Shami had opted out of Bengal’s match against Services at the Palam Air Force Ground A in New Delhi due to a niggle and said he was fine and expected to return soon. Bengal eventually won by 60 runs inside three days as their spinners accounted for 19 of the 20 Services wickets.
Shami says he didn’t play due to the conditions, which were perfect for spin bowling and limited his role on the surface.
Shami Avoids Speculation About 2027 ODI World Cup
Shami, one of the leading names for India’s pace bowling stocks for the 2027 ODI World Cup, may not have a central contract but he is India’s leading wicket-taker in ODI World Cup history with 55 wickets in 18 matches. He also had his career-best World Cup figures of 7/57 against New Zealand in Mumbai during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Despite his achievements, Shami says there is no need for speculation on the next World Cup and wants to focus on the domestic matches at hand, adding that he would love to continue playing for the national team.
“I don’t think that far ahead. You never know what will happen to a person tomorrow or what situation someone will be in – who will run, who will take wickets. There is no point in long-term speculation. Whatever match you get right now, keep playing and keep improving yourself. Your focus should always be on your skill and fitness. If I overthink the future, I will just unnecessarily burden myself. I am getting to play domestic cricket right now, there is still plenty of time, and I am playing,” said Shami.
