Discussions regarding the return of experienced fast bowler Mohammad Shami to the Indian national team have intensified. Former Indian cricketer Suresh Rana expressed hope that Shami will soon be able to rejoin the Indian team.
Rana cited Bhuvneshwar Kumar as an example of someone who managed to secure a spot in the national team at the age of 36. He emphasized that through discipline, physical fitness, and consistent effort, one can reopen doors to international cricket.
During the presentation of the Indian Soft Ball Cricket League kit, Suresh Rana highly praised Bhuvneshwar Kumar, noting that returning to the national team at 36 is a significant achievement. He mentioned that Kumar focused on improving his physical conditioning and maintaining discipline in the game, which benefited him. Rana also expressed confidence in Shami, stating: 'Of course, I think Shami performed well and played well in domestic cricket. Now it's Bhuvni's turn, and Shami follows him, don't worry.'
Mohammad Shami last represented India in the 2025 World Cup. His last appearance in Test cricket was in the final of the 2021-23 World Test Championship against Australia. Since then, he has been working to maintain his form and fitness by playing domestic cricket. Currently, Shami is playing for Bengal in the opening matches of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season. His performance in domestic cricket will be crucial for his prospects of returning to the Indian squad.
Despite Suresh Rana's confidence, confirmation of his selection to the team has not yet been received, and the final decision rests with the selection committee. Mohammad Shami's recent statistics in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have also sparked discussion. In the IPL seasons of 2025 and 2026, he took 18 wickets in 22 matches, with an average economy rate of 10 runs per over. Therefore, he needs to demonstrate consistency in his bowling, in addition to his domestic cricket results, to return to the Indian squad.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's comeback has instilled hope in experienced fast bowlers. In IPL 2026, he demonstrated outstanding play, taking 28 wickets at an economy rate of 8.07. He became the second-best bowler in terms of wickets taken in the tournament and played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory.
Bhuvneshwar's specialty is not only his pace but also his ability to swing the ball, his lines, and his accuracy towards the end of the innings. Bhuvneshwar's performance serves as an example that even with limited pace, players can be unsettled using correct line, the ability to make the ball swing, and variety.
Suresh Rana hopes that Mohammad Shami can attract the attention of the selection committee in a similar manner by demonstrating good results in domestic cricket. Mohammad Shami's main task is to consistently perform well and prove his physical condition. Matches for Bengal in domestic cricket give him the opportunity to showcase his potential. On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar's return showed that there is a possibility of securing a spot in the team given experience and discipline.