Mohammed Shami’s absence was one of the reasons cited for India’s 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia earlier this year. It resulted in a lot of anticipation for his return to cricket after a lengthy injury layoff but, that turned out to be a bit of a damp squib as Shami looked far from his usual best. He ended up being left out of the squad that traveled to England for a thrilling five-Test series that ended 2-2.
The 34-year-old is also set to play in the Duleep Trophy and said quite emphatically that he is fit enough to play in the Asia Cup as well. Shami is not in the 15-player squad that India had earlier announced. “If I can play the Duleep Trophy, then why won’t I be able to play T20 cricket?” Shami is quoted as saying by News24 Sports.
The pacer said that he doesn’t blame anyone for being left out of the Indian squad. “I don’t blame anyone for non-selection or complain about it. If I’m right for the team, select me; if I’m not, then I have no issues with it. Selectors have the responsibility to do what’s best for Team India. I have a belief in my abilities that if and when I’m granted an opportunity, I’ll give my best. I’m working hard,” he said.
Shami’s long recovery road
Shami had been a driving force in India’s dominant run to the final in the 2023 World Cup, taking as many as 24 wickets in just seven innings with an incredible average of 10.70. However, he injured his ankle had played through the pain during the tournament. Shami then underwent surgery and then recovered from subsequent knee issues, missing the entire 2024 international calendar in the process. While he was an integral part of the Indian Test squad, Shami’s last match in the format remains the 2023 World Test Championship final. His only first class match since then remains a Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November last year.
Shami has made it clear that retirement is not in his thoughts at all. “If someone has a problem, tell me, if it is like their lives become better if I take retirement. Tell me whose life have I become a rock in that you want me to retire? The day I get bored, I will leave. You don’t pick me, but I will keep working hard. You don’t pick me in international, I will play domestic. I will keep playing somewhere or the other. You have to make these decisions when you start feeling bored. That is not the time for me now,” Shami said.
