Photo via Hindustan Times

What will it take for Mohammed Shami to make an India comeback

Mohammed Shami’s international future hangs in the balance as the 36-year-old fast bowler enters another Ranji Trophy season with his selection prospects in doubt. Despite his age and persistent fitness questions—particularly concerns over his knees—Shami has consistently delivered in domestic cricket, including a standout performance in Bengal’s Ranji semifinal against Jammu and Kashmir, where he claimed eight wickets for 90 in the first innings and finished with nine wickets for 114.

His recent form extends beyond first-class cricket, with 15 wickets in seven matches during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 10 wickets in 12 IPL games for the Lucknow Super Giants in 2026, yet selectors have repeatedly sidelined him for limited-overs formats, citing readiness for T20s despite his track record in longer games. The shift in leadership at the selection committee, with Pragyan Ojha now serving as interim chairman following Ajit Agarkar’s departure, has sparked cautious optimism.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s surprise recall to the T20I squad for New Zealand—despite being 36—has set a precedent that age alone may no longer be a barrier, though Shami remains excluded from the latest T20I team while his case for ODIs and Tests remains unresolved. His last ODI appearance was in March 2025, and he has not featured in Tests since the 2023 World Test Championship final, leaving his comeback hinging on a strong domestic campaign and a willingness from selectors to reconsider his role beyond short-form cricket.

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