Mohammed Shami On India Absence And His Push For A National-Team Return

Mohammed Shami has not played for India since March 2025, but the veteran pacer made it clear after the Duleep Trophy final that his motivation remains intact and he continues to target the next stage of his career. Shami, who last played a Test in the 2023 World Test Championship final, said staying motivated is essential for any cricketer competing at the highest level. The 36-year-old made his 100th first-class appearance as East Zone defeated South Zone on the basis of a first-innings lead.

Shami played a key role in East Zone’s title triumph, claiming the wickets of Ravichandran Smaran and Sheikh Rasheed as South Zone were dismissed for 336. The result gave East Zone a match-defining first-innings lead of 372 runs. Shami said winning the tournament in his landmark 100th first-class match made the occasion particularly special, especially after East Zone had waited a long time for the title. He also praised every member of the squad for contributing to the campaign despite the challenging conditions.

Reflecting on his return to domestic cricket after more than a decade at the top level, Shami said the standard of competition does not change his approach when representing a team. He stressed the importance of playing for the badge and making every opportunity count, regardless of the level. Shami also enjoyed mentoring younger players in the East Zone squad, while cautioning that many emerging cricketers already gain maturity through exposure to the IPL and other high-pressure competitions.

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The Chennai conditions presented a different challenge for the fast bowler, with humidity, low bounce and limited conventional swing making the task demanding. Shami said he relied on maintaining his line and length and looked to use reverse swing in the heat. He explained that conditions had been more favourable to bowlers in Bengaluru, making the contrast in Chennai significant. According to Shami, adapting to difficult conditions and continuing to execute the basics was central to his success.

Shami also described the tactical planning behind his dismissal of Rasheed, saying wickets on such pitches require patience and a carefully developed plan. He first looked to establish an expectation by repeatedly taking the ball away before bringing one back sharply. The pacer said difficult conditions test a bowler’s skills more than situations where the pitch and weather naturally favour the attack. His performance underlined his ability to adapt his methods to the demands of the surface.

With Shami now in the later phase of his career, continued support from fans has remained a source of encouragement as he works to stay competitive. He expressed gratitude to those who have backed him throughout his career and maintained that his responsibility is to keep working hard. Shami said the outcome ultimately rests with the Almighty, while his focus remains on giving his best whenever he receives an opportunity.

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