Mohammed Shami has made his stance clear on a potential India comeback, insisting it would not be his loss if he never gets another opportunity to represent the country. The veteran fast bowler’s comments came on Saturday, October 10, days after fellow pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned a recall to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Shami, 36, last represented India during the 2025 Champions Trophy. His international career was interrupted by injuries following an outstanding performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

A series of fitness setbacks delayed his recovery until early 2025, and despite returning to action, he has not featured for India in any format since the Champions Trophy.

During his prolonged absence, former chief selector Ajit Agarkar repeatedly raised concerns about Shami’s fitness. Although the Bengal pacer continued to perform in domestic cricket, the selectors turned towards younger options, including Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana.

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Bhuvneshwar’s return to the T20I setup after more than four years has reignited discussions about Shami’s international future. Bhuvneshwar’s selection reportedly followed his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), while selectors are believed to be considering a possible ODI comeback for the experienced seamer. Shami’s situation has consequently attracted renewed attention.

Speaking to Revsportz, Mohammed Shami said Bhuvneshwar’s selection was good news for his former teammate but had no bearing on his own ambitions. “Bhuvneshwar Kumar got the chance to play for India, and that’s good for him. But his selection doesn’t concern me,” Shami said.

He added that his immediate priority was the ongoing Ranji Trophy match and pointed to his performances and fitness for Bengal over the past two to three years. “If I don’t get the chance to play for India again, it’s not my loss,” he stated.

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The debate surrounding India’s experienced fast bowlers has intensified amid concerns over the current pace attack. Several bowlers have struggled on the flat pitches during the ongoing series against the West Indies, prompting questions about India’s transition to younger bowling options.