India pacer Mohammed Shami has been making statements with his domestic performance, but has yet to make his international comeback after having last played in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He has once again pounced on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors after having cleared his unmatched motivation to play for India.
Mohammed Shami has since, long been fighting for his spot in the Indian team. One of the most veteran fast bowlers from India, Shami has been monumental for India across ICC tournaments. However, his regularity in the team was cut short by frequent injuries.
Shami last appeared in the Blue Shirts back in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. He returned to replace Jasprit Bumrah after being ruled out throughout 2024 due to injuries. He was India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the victorious tournament for India.
If there’s fuel in your tank- Mohammed Shami
Though out of favour for a long time, Mohammed Shami does not seem to give away this easily and is set to continue putting up a strong fightback. He sounds totally driven by a motive.
During his recent speech at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, the 35-year-old said that his mindset continues to power him through every rough patch, which includes injuries and selection snubs.
“I always say this: no matter what you do or which sport you play, if you have potential, don’t waste it. If there’s fuel in your tank, it’s on you to use every last drop and keep pushing forward,” Shami said.
These lines from Shami, however, did not just seem to be a generic motivational line but rather felt like something personal for him.
I’d give everything I have- Shami
Having played the Ranji Trophy season for Bengal, he finished the season with 36 wickets in 12 innings, which also included a career-best figure of 8/90 against J&K in the semi-finals of the 2025-26 season. Shami’s timeless talent was occasionally portrayed with the bat as well.
Questions still linger over whether he can take the toll of 5-day international cricket on his body; however, Shami seems unmoved by the concerns, and his message seems clear.
“When it comes to representing my country, I’d give everything I have. I never want to look back and regret leaving even a fraction of my potential untapped,” he said at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit.
Mohammed Shami sends a strong reminder to Ajit Agarkar with undoubtedly impressive numbers
Mohammed Shami has been voicing the same since his first five-wicket haul in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season that came against Gujarat last year in October, despite which he was not considered in the home series against South Africa.
“A lot of hard work is there, and I believe luck too plays a part. Every person wants to play for the country. So, I am ready for that (again),” Shami told reporters. He has also let his numbers speak for themselves to the selectors while he has declared himself to be match-ready anytime the country needs him to come back.
“My motivation is to stay fit and be available for the Indian team at all times. On the ground, I will continue to perform, and the rest is in the selectors’ hands,” he added.
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