Shami was recently left out of India's all-format tour of New Zealand.
Veteran pacer Mohammad Shami shared insight on his mindset after being excluded from India's all-format squad for the tour of New Zealand.
Shami’s recent omission raised eyebrows because his contemporary, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was recalled to the national side after a four-year absence.
Despite selectors continuing to look past him since his last international appearance at the Champions Trophy in March 2025, the 36-year-old fiercely maintained that he has not given up on wearing the national jersey again.
Shami didn’t feature in Bengal’s second-round Ranji Trophy 2026-27 match against Services, and he clarified that it wasn't due to injury. Instead, recognizing a highly spin-friendly pitch, he stepped aside so Bengal could field extra spinners—a move that worked, as spinners took 19 wickets to secure a 60-run win.
Addressing the media after the game, Shami said: “Hope should always be there (for India comeback). In any profession, in any sport, you should have a goal. Everyone has a goal. Today we are playing for Ranji Trophy and playing for the title. There is always a goal and there should be a goal."
When a reporter suggested his "peak fitness" days might be behind him, Shami bluntly fired back, stating, "Sir, aaj bhi hum peak par hi hain (I am still at my peak). There is no point in lying. Ham jaise bhi hain apne peak par hain (I am very much at my peak)."
Reacting to his snub for the all-format New Zealand tour, Shami said he can only control the controllables.
"It's not a matter of disappointment. I played the whole domestic season last year as well. I played all the matches. My motive is the same. I should play as much as I can. I should be prepared for all the upcoming series and tournaments.
"Nobody knows when and where I will have to play for India. Even for IPL, playing domestic cricket will be good for me. If I play domestic or white ball, my preparation will be the same. I will play as many matches as I can. My rhythm will be good."
Shami emphasised that looking too far ahead—specifically toward the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa—serves little purpose when short-term physical fitness and skill development require total focus.
"I don't think so far. Today we are playing cricket. Tomorrow we don't know what will happen to someone or what the situation will be. There is no point in thinking so far.
"Whatever matches you are getting, you keep playing and keep improving yourself. I always say that your focus should be on your skill, your fitness," he remarked.
When asked if he had any conversation with the national selectors over the past year, Shami replied: “Sir, I am not in the Indian team, who will talk to me? And why will they talk to me?"
The senior fast bowler also expressed his deep gratitude and unwavering loyalty to the Bengal cricket team, emphasizing that the state team gave him his identity and platform in cricket.
"This team has given me this name. This is all because of this team. The day I end my career, it will be with this team. You should be loyal, you should be dedicated. Nothing else is in your hands."
(With PTI Inputs)