Mohammed Shami continues to wait for an opportunity to return to the Indian cricket team, having last represented the country in March 2025. Despite delivering consistent performances in domestic cricket, the experienced fast bowler has yet to receive a call-up from the national selection committee. His continued absence has sparked discussions about whether India should bring the veteran pacer back into the setup.

India fast bowler Navdeep Saini has now backed Shami’s return, questioning why the senior pacer has been overlooked despite his performances. Saini believes Shami has served Indian cricket exceptionally well over the years and deserves another opportunity to represent the country at the highest level.

Speaking to Revsportz, Navdeep Saini highlighted Shami’s contributions and continued hard work, pointing to his performances in the previous domestic season and the recent Duleep Trophy.

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“Shami bhaiya has been serving India for a long time, has won several matches on his own,” Navdeep Saini said. He added that Shami continues to work hard and retains the ability to perform at the highest level, expressing his belief that the pacer should be given another chance.

Shami’s domestic performances have kept him in contention for an international comeback, although the selectors are yet to include him in the national squad.

Saini also expressed happiness over Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to India’s T20I setup. The experienced swing bowler has earned a place in the squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour after spending nearly four years away from international cricket.

According to NavdeepSaini, Bhuvneshwar’s consistent performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) demonstrated that he remained capable of contributing at the international level.

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Saini described the recall as motivating for other Indian fast bowlers, pointing to Bhuvneshwar’s experience and match-winning ability. He also praised the seamer’s performances over the past two IPL seasons, adding that he had felt Bhuvneshwar deserved an opportunity to return to the national team.

The veteran bowler’s selection has offered encouragement to experienced players seeking an international comeback. For Shami, however, the wait continues as he looks to turn his domestic performances into another opportunity to wear the Indian jersey.