Mohammed Shami Ready to Play for India: Says Selection is Not in His Hands

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami said that he is ready to play for the country, but selection is not in his hands. After not being included in the T20 or ODI squads for the Australia tour, Shami confessed on his YouTube channel that his fitness is completely fine and he is ready to play anytime.

Shami said, "Whether I'm selected or not is not in my hands. The selection committee, captain, and coach make the decision. Whether they choose me or give me more time is their decision. But I'm ready. My practice and fitness are going well. The more time I spend away from the field, the more motivation I need. I recently played in a Duleep Trophy match, bowled about 35 overs, and was happy with my rhythm. So, there's no fitness issue. I'm ready to play, but selection is not in my hands."

Shami's omission from the team isn't surprising, as he hasn't been in the selectors' plans in recent months. The Bengal fast bowler last played in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025, where he took one wicket.

He started the tournament with five wickets against Bangladesh, but failed to take a wicket against Pakistan and New Zealand. He took three wickets against Australia in the semi-finals and one in the final.

Since then, Shami has not played for India in any format. His last T20 match was against England in February 2025, while his last Test was against Australia in June 2023. Meanwhile, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Wednesday announced the squad for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, in which Shami has been included. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named the captain of the team, while Abhishek Porel has been named the vice-captain. The presence of Shami and Akash Deep will significantly strengthen the team's fast bowling department.