Mohammed Shami (AFP Photo)
The Bengal fast bowler made the remarks after taking four wickets against Delhi in Bengal’s opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season in Kalyani on Sunday. His figures of 4/30 helped Bengal bowl Delhi out for 240 on the first day.
The 36-year-old has been out of favour with the national selectors, but he said he would continue playing wherever he gets an opportunity instead of worrying about his return to the Indian team.
Shami said people were free to comment on his fitness and performances, but he would continue to focus on his game. The rest is your job,” Shami said during a press conference. Asked about his own omission, Shami said he no longer wanted to comment on selection decisions and would concentrate on playing cricket. He said the experienced pacer’s return should encourage other players to keep working hard and believing in their abilities.
“People perhaps enjoy looking and passing comments more. They say the rhythm isn’t there, that he doesn’t look fit, or whatever else. It doesn’t bother me. I’m on the ground, I’m playing, and I’m playing wherever I’m given a chance. The fast bowler was once again left out of India’s squad, this time for the T20I series against New Zealand. The selection also marked the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the national team after a gap of four years. Shami also supported the decision to bring Bhuvneshwar back into India’s T20I squad. The Bengal pacer stressed that talented players who continue to perform should not be kept out of the team for long periods.