Mohammed Shami may currently be out of the India squad, but the veteran pacer has shown no indication that uncertainty over his international future has affected his hunger to perform. After playing a key role in East Zone’s Duleep Trophy triumph, Shami said his determination to continue improving remains as strong as ever.
The 36-year-old has remained active in domestic cricket since his last India appearance in March 2025, with his latest performance coming in a memorable Duleep Trophy final. Speaking to reporters after East Zone’s victory in Chennai, Shami explained how he continues to stay motivated despite ongoing speculation about his international comeback.
“There are plenty of reasons to stay motivated if you look for them. You can draw positivity from this ground or any ground you step onto. At this level, if you aren't self-motivated, your approach is wrong,” he said.
Shami also stressed that his mindset remains the same regardless of where he is in his career or how important a particular game is.
“Whether it's your first match or your 100th, it doesn't matter — the effort and the approach remain exactly the same,” he added.
East Zone’s Duleep Trophy victory was especially significant for Shami as it came in his 100th first-class match, while the team ended a 13-year wait for the championship. He contributed with the ball by dismissing Ravichandran Smaran and Sheikh Rasheed as South Zone were bowled out for 336.
CAN SHAMI MAKE AN INDIA COMEBACK?
With the West Indies series no longer an option for Shami’s comeback, India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand could provide his next realistic opportunity. India are scheduled to play five ODIs between November 4 and 15, followed by two Tests, giving the experienced pacer a chance to strengthen his case in a format where his experience could prove particularly useful.
The ODI series will also be important with the 2027 World Cup approaching. India have already started working on their 50-over combination for the tournament, and Shami’s experience could become an asset if he demonstrates his fitness and effectiveness in New Zealand. Managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload could also make Shami’s experience increasingly valuable.
The two Tests in New Zealand could provide another possible route back into the red-ball squad, with Australia’s five-Test tour of India scheduled to begin in January 2027. For now, however, the New Zealand ODI series appears to be Shami’s most immediate opportunity to return to international cricket.
SHAMI'S WORK CONTINUES
The Bengal fast bowler has stayed busy across formats over the last 18 months. Before featuring in the Duleep Trophy, he picked up 36 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, 16 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 15 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2025-26 domestic season. He also bowled 62 overs during the Duleep Trophy campaign.
Shami has largely stayed away from conversations surrounding selection, choosing instead to concentrate on the aspects of his game that remain within his control. His Duleep Trophy performance and 100th first-class appearance have once again demonstrated his desire to continue competing at the highest level.
There was little evidence of Shami slowing down during the Chennai final. He managed to extract movement from a pitch that did not offer much assistance to fast bowlers, celebrated East Zone’s title alongside his teammates and added another significant milestone to his career. While the West Indies series is no longer an option, New Zealand provides another potential opening, and with India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup beginning to take shape, Shami has plenty of motivation to continue doing what he has done throughout his career — turn up, compete and keep working.
