Mohammed Shami ready to return for India, says childhood coach

Mohammed Shami’s last appearance for India came in March 2025. The Bengal seamer has since concentrated on domestic cricket, where he has delivered consistent performances across multiple formats. At 35 years old, Shami continues to work on his fitness and technical skills as speculation surrounds a potential return to the national team.

Shami’s childhood coach Mohammed Badruddin has expressed confidence in the seamer’s readiness to contribute if called upon. Badruddin stated that Shami remains committed to serving the country whenever required. The coach’s remarks come as Shami prepares for what could be a significant phase in his career.

“Shami’s mood is positive. He is quite motivated for the next season. He still has cricket left. He is ready, and if the country needs him, he will be ready to serve,” Badruddin told India Today about the experienced Bengal seamer.

What Shami’s childhood coach said about his readiness

Badruddin’s statement reflects the seamer’s unwavering commitment to representing India. The childhood coach has closely followed Shami’s career trajectory and understands the seamer’s mindset regarding national duty. Such backing from someone who has known Shami since his formative years carries weight in assessing the seamer’s mental approach to a potential comeback.

Shami’s domestic cricket performances this season

Shami’s domestic performances have been noteworthy. In the Ranji Trophy, he claimed 37 wickets across seven matches, demonstrating his continued effectiveness in first-class cricket. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he took 15 wickets in seven games, showing his ability to perform across formats. These numbers indicate that Shami remains a potent force in domestic cricket despite his absence from the international stage.

Agarkar’s assessment of Shami’s format readiness

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had indicated that Shami’s immediate pathway may lie in T20 cricket rather than the longer formats. Agarkar stated ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan that “at this point it’s T20 cricket that he’s sort of ready for”.

Badruddin also noted that Shami has made significant improvements to his physical condition. The seamer has shed five kilograms since the last domestic season, indicating his dedication to maintaining peak fitness levels. Such commitment reflects his determination to remain competitive at the highest level.

Many experts believe that Shami should be a part of India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Shami’s record in South Africa underscores his quality as an international performer. He has taken nine wickets in the three ODI matches he has played on South African soil at an average of 20.55, highlighting his effectiveness in challenging conditions. His overall record in the Rainbow Nation is equally impressive, as he has bagged 44 wickets in 11 matches across formats. This track record demonstrates why many in the cricket fraternity want him back in the national team’s setup.