Why do you want me to retire? Shami says fire burning despite selection snubs

Out-of-favour fast bowler Mohammed Shami has dismissed rumours about his retirement, taking a tongue-in-cheek jibe at his detractors. Insisting that he is ready to put in all the hard work, Shami said he will continue to play competitive cricket regardless of whether he is selected for the senior national team.

Shami, who has struggled with multiple injuries after playing through pain in the 2023 World Cup, last represented India in the Champions Trophy. He was not picked for India’s tour of England in June–August after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) deemed him unfit to bowl long spells. The 34-year-old has not played Test cricket for India since the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023.

Having seemingly rebuilt his workload, Shami is part of the East Zone squad in their ongoing Duleep Trophy quarter-final, a four-day red-ball tournament showcasing the best domestic red-ball talent in India. However, he was not considered for the Asia Cup 2025, a T20I tournament scheduled to begin on 9 September in the UAE.

“If someone has a problem, tell me. Do their lives somehow improve if I retire? Whose life have I become a rock in that you want me to retire?” Shami said candidly in an interview with News24.

“The day I get bored, I will leave. You don’t pick me, but I will keep working hard. You don’t pick me internationally, I will play domestically. I will keep playing somewhere or the other. Decisions about retirement come when you start feeling bored. That’s not the case for me now,” he added.

When asked if he was ready for the Asia Cup, Shami said he was, pointing out that his inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad demonstrates his readiness to endure the rigours of competitive cricket.

Shami has had to contend with an ankle injury for which he underwent surgery in March 2024, sidelining him for much of the year. His comeback was further delayed by a knee injury. The senior pacer eventually returned to domestic cricket for Bengal late last year but was not selected for the five-Test series in Australia, as the selectors were unsure of his ability to bowl long spells.

However, Shami made an international return during a white-ball series against England earlier this year and went on to play a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph, taking nine wickets in five matches, including a five-wicket haul. He shouldered the pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah during India’s successful campaign in the UAE.

I HAVE NOT BLAMED ANYONE: SHAMI

Shami insisted that he does not blame anyone for his lack of opportunities over the past two years, stating that he will continue to work hard and wait for a call-up.

“I have neither blamed anyone nor complained that the selectors should or shouldn’t speak to me. I don’t care about that too much. If I fit into your plans, then select me. If I don’t, then don’t pick me. I have no objections. You fulfil your duties and do what’s best for the nation. I believe that if I am given an opportunity, I will do my best,” he said.

Shami also highlighted his ambition to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. While a return to the Test side may be difficult, senior national selectors are expected to keep an eye on him for white-ball formats.

“I have only one dream left: to win the ODI World Cup. I want to be part of the team and perform in a way that brings the World Cup home. We came very close in 2023,” he said.