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'What more can I do than keep playing and giving my best?' - Mohammed Shami on India's New Zealand tour exclusion

Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami has expressed his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition despite being omitted from India's upcoming tour of New Zealand. The selection panel, now under the leadership of Pragyan Ojha, opted to exclude the 36-year-old from the T20I, ODI, and Test squads in favor of younger pace options.

Shami has not represented the national side since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, with his last Test appearance dating back to the June 2023 World Test Championship final.

Despite the setback, Shami remains dedicated to his domestic campaign, having secured 37 wickets for Bengal in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy and seven wickets during East Zone's Duleep Trophy victory. He has also begun the 2026-27 Ranji season with a strong performance, claiming five wickets in his opening match.

The pacer emphasized that he has distanced himself from social media to prioritize rigorous training and consistent match play, aiming to prove his value ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

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