"What more can I do?": Mohammed Shami Breaks Silence After Being Dropped from India's NZ Tour Squad
Mohammed Shami opens up on his exclusion from India's squad for the New Zealand tour and his plan to fight back via domestic cricket.
Veteran pace spearhead Mohammed Shami has opened up about his current standing in the national team after being overlooked once again for India's upcoming ODI and Test series against New Zealand. Despite his pedigree and recent domestic form, the 36-year-old found himself missing from the BCCI's announced squads, sparking discussions about his future in the international arena.
Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of a Ranji Trophy clash between Bengal and Delhi in New Delhi, Shami maintained a stoic and positive outlook. Rather than questioning the selection committee, the pacer emphasized his commitment to the grind of domestic cricket to prove his worth.
"I'm always positive and focused on performing well in every match I play. I want to keep playing as many matches as possible because that helps me maintain my physical momentum, improve my game, and sharpen my skills. That's what I'm focused on right now. What more can I do than keep playing and giving my best?" Shami stated.
Prioritizing the Ground Over the Screen
With a change in the selection leadership—following the end of Ajit Agarkar’s tenure and the appointment of Pragyan Ojha—Shami revealed that he is intentionally distancing himself from the noise of the digital world. The speedster admitted to completely stepping away from social media to avoid distractions and focus entirely on his craft.
He explained that his energy is now strictly invested in practice sessions and match play, stating that he does not concern himself with the actions of others, but rather on fulfilling the demands of the game and his team.
Eyes on 2027 and the Battle Against Age
As the conversation around the 2027 ODI World Cup begins to brew, Shami's age—he will be 37 by the time the tournament arrives—is expected to be a point of debate. However, the Bengal pacer is leaving his destiny to a higher power while ensuring he does everything within his control.
Shami believes that playing a full domestic season is non-negotiable for his development and readiness. "I'm trying my best and giving it everything I have. Beyond that, what happens and what doesn't is in God's hands," he added.
A Look at the Numbers: Domestic Dominance vs. IPL Struggles
Shami's exclusion comes despite a string of impressive performances in the red-ball circuit. His last international appearance was in March last year during the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, where he was instrumental in India's victory, claiming nine wickets across five innings.
The Domestic Surge:
- Ranji Trophy (2025-26): A dominant spell where he took 37 wickets in seven matches at a stellar average of 16.72.
- Duleep Trophy 2026: Took seven wickets in three matches, helping the East Zone secure the title.
- Ranji Trophy (2026-27): In his opening match of the current season, he impressed with figures of 4/30 and 1/29.
The IPL Dip:
While he has been a terror in domestic cricket, his T20 fortunes in the IPL have been more modest. In 2025, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he managed only six wickets in nine games. In 2026, representing Lucknow Super Giants, he improved slightly with 12 wickets in 13 matches.
The hope for a recall had been bolstered not only by Shami's own domestic numbers but also by the recent return of his contemporary, 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar, to the T20I squad. For now, however, Shami remains on the outside, determined to bowl his way back into the blue jersey.