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Amid Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India return, eyes have now turned to another veteran fast bowler who continues to be ignored by the selectors.
Mohammed Shami last played for India in March 2025. (PTI Photo)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, after spending nearly four years away from international cricket, has stormed back into the Indian team. His return was built on strong performances in successive IPL seasons as his team Royal Challengers Bengaluru became champions two times in a row.
Bhuvneshwar has been picked in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. With him making a comeback after a long period on the sidelines, another veteran India fast bowler Mohammed Shami will have his hopes of playing international cricket renewed.
Former India fast bowler and Bengal stalwart Laxmi Ratan Shukla has been vocal in his support for Shami whose last international match came in March 2025 – the final of Champions Trophy.
And Shukla, the current Bengal coach, has again cited Shami’s commitment and is quite positive of his former teammate making India comeback.
“Shami is playing for Bengal this season. He’s bowling like a youngster. I hope that he will again play for India and end his career playing for India. He is one of the greatest fast bowlers ever world cricket produced. He deserves that,” Shukla told news agency PTI.
A major factor behind Shami’s grind is to catch the attention of national selectors and revive his India career.
“He (Shami) still wants to play for India,” Shukla said. “But other than that, how many bowlers have you seen maintaining this level of commitment to the state? I have seen him from a time when he was just a net bowler. He made Bengal debut under my captaincy.”
At A Glance
Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to the Indian team after nearly four years away from international cricket.
Bhuvneshwar was picked in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
Mohammed Shami’s last international match was in March 2025, the final of the Champions Trophy.
Shami has played 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is.
“He has developed into a great player and a great human being. He keeps motivating everyone in the dressing room, and he is our brother, and I am sure he will be doing well this season and go on to play for India again,” Shukla added.
Shami Continues To Dream
Even Shami, who has played 64 Tests, 108 ODIs and 25 T20Is, hasn’t lost hope.
“There are plenty of reasons to stay motivated if you look for them. At this level, if you aren’t self-motivated, your approach is wrong. No matter what stage you’re playing at, your eyes must always be set on the next level,” Shami had said after 2026 Duleep Trophy final.
Quick Answers
Mohammed Shami’s last international appearance for India occurred in March 2025 during the Champions Trophy final, following which he spent extended periods sidelined due to injuries and fitness concerns.
About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
October 08, 2026, 07:49 IST
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