India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been making a statement with his domestic performances, but he is yet to make a comeback at the international level after last playing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He has once again hit out at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors after acknowledging his unmatched motivation to play for India.
Mohammed Shami has been fighting for his place in the Indian team for a long time. One of India’s most experienced fast bowlers, Shami has been brilliant for India in ICC tournaments. However, his regularity in the team was reduced due to frequent injuries.
Shami last appeared in the blue shirt in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. He returned to replace Jasprit Bumrah after being ruled out until 2024 due to injuries. He was the joint-highest wicket taker for India in the victorious tournament.
If you have fuel in your tank- Mohammed Shami
Despite being out of the team for a long time, Mohammed Shami is not giving up easily and is ready to continue the tough challenge. He seems completely motivated by a cause.
During his recent speech at the News18 Rising India Summit, the 35-year-old said that his mindset helps him go through every tough phase, including injuries and selection setbacks.
Shami said, “I always say this: no matter what you do or what sport you play, if you have the potential, don’t waste it. If you have fuel in your tank, it is your responsibility to use every last drop and keep moving forward.”
However, these lines of Shami were not just a general motivational line, but something personal to him.
I will give whatever I have- Shami
After playing the Ranji Trophy season for Bengal, he finished the season with 36 wickets in 12 innings, including career-best figures of 8/90 against Jammu and Kashmir in the semi-finals of the 2025–26 season. Shami’s timeless talent was highlighted at times with the bat as well.
The question still remains whether he can take the impact of 5-day international cricket on his body; However, Shami seems unperturbed by the concerns, and his message seems clear.
“When it comes to representing my country, I will give it my all. I never want to look back and I regret not realizing even a fraction of my potential,” he said at the News18 Rising India Summit.
Mohammed Shami has sent a strong reminder to Ajit Agarkar with undoubtedly impressive stats
Mohammed Shami has been raising the same voice ever since he took his first five-wicket haul of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season against Gujarat in October last year, despite which his name was not considered for the home series against South Africa.
“It takes a lot of hard work and I believe luck also plays a role in it. Every person wants to play for the country. So, I am ready for it (again),” Shami told reporters. He has let the selectors know his stats while he has declared himself ready for a match any time the country needs him back.
“My motivation is to stay fit and be available for the Indian team at all times. On the field, I will continue to perform and the rest is in the hands of the selectors,” he said.
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