Subhman Gill comments on difficulties in Hardik Pandya's return to the Indian squad; demonstration of form in domestic matches is necessary

There is positive news for Indian cricket fans: the main fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and the aggressive batsman Rishabh Pant are preparing for a joint return to the field.

These two strong players may feature in the third unofficial Test match between India A and New Zealand A, which will take place before the start of the two-match series against New Zealand scheduled for November 19. This match will be held in Lincoln from November 7 to 10.

Before traveling to New Zealand, both star athletes are intensively working on their physical fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) located in Bangalore. Both players play an important role in the Indian Test team.

Jasprit Bumrah was out of action after India won the gold medal at the Asian Games in early October. After resting during the series against West Indies and the T20 series against New Zealand, he will fully recover according to the BCCI 'return to play' protocol and will depart for New Zealand on November 1.

Rishabh Pant, who struggled with a side muscle strain during the Iran Cup, has started light batting practice in Bangalore. However, he still needs clearance from the BCCI medical team. Previously, in Pant's absence, Kumar Kushagra was included as a substitute for the first two India A matches.

If the medical team deems Pant fully fit, Indian fans will be able to see Bumrah's signature yorkers and Pant's powerful sixes together in the match against New Zealand A on November 7. This will be a significant boost for India ahead of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

Mohammad Shami, an experienced fast bowler who is currently not part of the Indian squad, emphasized that his hopes of returning to international cricket remain alive. Despite not being included in the team traveling to New Zealand, the athlete maintains high morale. The 36-year-old bowler believes he is at the peak of his physical condition, and as long as he plays, his main goal is to return to the Indian team.

Shami openly answered questions regarding his physical fitness. In a conversation with journalists after Bengal's victory over Services in the Ranji Trophy, he stated: 'Sir, we are still at our peak. There is no point in lying. Regardless of who we are, we are at our peak.'

These statements came at a time when questions are being raised about the composition of the Indian bowling attack. There is particular discussion about the need to bring in experienced players in short formats, which has intensified calls for Shami's return. He last played for India in March 2025. Meanwhile, his contemporary Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to the Indian squad after about four years.

Shami was not selected for the Indian team touring New Zealand. His response to the question of whether selectors had contacted him in the last year caused a wide resonance. He asked: 'Sir, I am not in the Indian team, who will talk to me? And why would they talk to me?'

In this answer, Shami demonstrated an open reaction to his exclusion from the team. However, he refused to consider his absence from the squad a cause for disappointment. In his opinion, the player is responsible for his own preparation and results, so he needs to play as many matches as possible to stay in shape. Shami noted: 'This is not a reason for disappointment. I played the entire domestic season last year and participated in all matches. My goal is to play as much as possible to be ready for upcoming series and tournaments.'

He added that he does not know when or where he will get the opportunity to play for the Indian team. He also believes that participating in domestic cricket helps better prepare for the IPL. Regardless of whether it is domestic cricket or T20 format, his approach to preparation remains unchanged.

Regarding the upcoming ODI World Cup in South Africa next year, Shami decided to refrain from planning too far into the future for now. He stressed that it is much more important to focus on current matches rather than thinking about the future. Shami stated: 'I don't think that far ahead. Today we play cricket. Who knows what will happen tomorrow or what the circumstances will be, nobody knows. There is no point in thinking that far.'

He strongly recommended that players use every opportunity to improve their skills and physical condition. In his view, his full attention is currently focused precisely on these two aspects. This philosophy of Shami is also linked to his current domestic cricket campaign. He aims to maintain his rhythm by playing for Bengal to be ready for international cricket as soon as the chance arises.

Shami expressed happiness over Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the Indian team. He suggested that given Kumar's form, he should have been brought back to the team much earlier. Kumar's return, combined with Shami's absence, once again reignited discussions about options for the Indian bowling attack. Nevertheless, instead of making any demands regarding his selection, Shami stated his intention to continue performing on the field.

Shami also demonstrated his commitment to the Bengal team. He mentioned that the team gave him the opportunity, and he would like to end his career with this team. He said: 'This team gave me this name. All this is thanks to this team. When my career ends, it will end with this team. You must be loyal and dedicated. The rest is out of your hands.'

Shami's message is very clear: the decision about returning to the Indian squad does not depend on him, but maintaining physical fitness, playing domestic cricket, and being ready for any opportunity are under his control. Currently, this 36-year-old fast bowler has chosen the path of attracting selectors' attention through his bowling, instead of accepting defeat.