At 35, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is making one thing clear: he isn’t going anywhere. Despite a prolific domestic season and a return to full fitness, Shami continues to find himself on the sidelines of the national squad, sparking intense debate over his future in Indian cricket.
The right-arm seamer, a cornerstone of India’s 2023 ODI World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy campaigns, has been notably absent from recent assignments against South Africa and New Zealand, as well as the T20 World Cup roster.
The Numbers Speak: A Domestic Masterclass
While the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has looked toward younger talent, Shami’s recent form for Bengal suggests he is far from finished.
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Wickets Taken: 67
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Season: 2025-26 Domestic Circuit
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Status: Fully recovered from the injury woes that previously hampered his career.
Despite these “loud” statistics, a recall to the national side remains elusive, leaving fans and analysts questioning the BCCI’s current roadmap for the veteran.
“I’ll Leave When I’m Bored”
Speaking on The Shubhankar Mishra Show, Shami addressed the retirement chatter with his trademark candor. He emphasized that mental fatigue, not age or external pressure, will be the only thing that pushes him out of the game.
“I will leave cricket the day I wake up and decide to get bored. The day I feel lazy or bored, I will quit. But I am neither bored nor lazy. I am enjoying the game.”
Shami noted that even thinking about retirement can “pull you down” and insisted that as long as he finds satisfaction in his rhythm and preparation, he will continue to compete.
A Fresh Start in the IPL
After a challenging stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2025, Shami is looking for a redemption arc in the upcoming IPL season.
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New Team: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
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Acquisition: Joined via trade after being released by SRH.
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Outlook: Shami expressed gratitude for LSG’s trust and vowed to give “100 per cent” to meet the franchise’s expectations, focusing on his attitude and determination rather than just luck.
The Selector’s Dilemma
With the 2026 cricket calendar in full swing, the pressure is mounting on the BCCI to justify Shami’s exclusion. While the youth movement is in motion, Shami’s 67-wicket domestic haul serves as a reminder that “old is gold”—and this particular veteran is still very much in the hunt.
