Mohammed Shami was mobbed by Assam players seeking tips to improve their game. (Image: Subhayan Chakraborty)
Subhayan Chakraborty in Kalyani
Mohammed Shami may have been dropped from the Indian team, but his hunger to play cricket at the highest level remains unchanged. Turning up in Kalyani for the Ranji Trophy match between Bengal and Assam, Shami bowled 23.2 overs in the first innings and followed it up with 29 overs in the second, picking up a total of five wickets in the game. He now has 20 wickets in four matches at an average of 16.30. However, the veteran pacer is not overly concerned about being repeatedly overlooked for India selection; instead, he wants to focus on helping Bengal win matches in domestic cricket.
“Jo naseeb mein hai, wahi hoga. Shayad mere naseeb mein yaha (Kalyani) mein Bengal ke liye khelna hi likha hai. Main wahi karunga (Whatever is written in my fate will happen. Maybe it is written in my fate to play for Bengal here in Kalyani. That is what I will do),” Shami said after the Bengal vs Assam encounter on Wednesday. “Playing cricket is what I can do; selection isn’t in my hands. I can’t keep thinking about why I am not being selected for India.”
Despite not being part of the Indian setup, Shami remains a major topic of discussion among cricket fans and experts. Recently traded from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹10 crore, he is looking forward to reuniting with former India bowling coach – and current LSG bowling coach – Bharat Arun. Under Arun, Shami enjoyed his peak years with the national team, achieving enormous success with the ball across formats.
“I am looking forward to working with him (Arun) again,” said Shami. “We share a great relationship. We have been successful together in the past, and hopefully we will achieve similar success for the Lucknow Super Giants.”
Shami also confirmed his availability for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with the T20 tournament starting on November 26. Bengal will take on Baroda in their tournament opener. “I am fit and firing, and available for the tournament,” he said. “I am looking forward to helping Bengal win matches.”
After the Bengal-Assam match concluded, Shami was surrounded by Assam players seeking tips to improve their game. The Bengal pacer spent around 30 minutes sharing advice, answering questions about bowling, run-up, pace, and overall technique.
When asked again about his non-selection for the Indian team, Shami said, “I don’t think about it. If the call comes, I am always ready to give my blood, sweat and tears for India – I will do that again. Playing for India is always a matter of immense pride.”
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