Mohammed Shami has been out of the Indian team for over a year despite good performances in domestic cricket. His last appearance for India was on March 9, 2025, and since then, he has been a notable absentee from the national squad.
In the ongoing 2025-26 domestic season, Shami has picked up an impressive 67 wickets, showcasing his skills and form. However, his exclusion from the Indian team remains puzzling, especially considering he is fit and actively participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season with the Lucknow Super Giants.
Shami’s recent IPL history includes a stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he was bought for ₹10 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, his performance in the previous season was less than stellar, managing only six wickets in nine matches.
Despite the setbacks, Shami remains optimistic about his career. He has stated, “When I get tired, I will call it a day. But I am not even thinking of retirement right now because such thoughts pull you down.” He further emphasized, “I’ll leave cricket the day I wake up and decide to get bored.”
Shami’s commitment to his role as a bowler is evident, as he mentioned, “As a bowler, I will give my 100 per cent. I’ll perform my responsibilities and try to meet the expectations set for me.” His positive mindset is reflected in his statement, “I am enjoying. Results are good and positive.”
Despite his strong domestic performance, the reasons for Shami’s exclusion from the Indian team remain unclear. Observers are left questioning whether he will be recalled to the national team in the future.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the selectors’ decisions and future plans for Shami. As the cricketing community watches closely, his next steps will be pivotal in determining his international career.
