Mohammed Shami has been out of the Indian team for over a year despite good performances in domestic cricket. The last time he represented India was on March 9, 2025, and since then, he has been a notable absence from the national squad.
In the ongoing 2025-26 domestic season, Shami has picked up an impressive 67 wickets, showcasing his skills and fitness. However, he has not been selected for the Indian team, raising questions about the reasons behind his exclusion.
Currently, Shami is playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026 season. His previous stint in the IPL was less successful, as he managed only six wickets in nine matches. Despite this, he was a Purple Cap winner in 2023, highlighting his potential and past performance.
Shami was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹10 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, indicating that franchises still see value in his abilities as a bowler. However, his recent form in the IPL has not matched expectations, leading to his continued absence from the national team.
In response to questions about his future, Shami has expressed that he will consider retirement only when he feels bored or lazy. “When I get tired, I will call it a day. But I am not even thinking of retirement right now because such thoughts pull you down,” he stated.
He further added, “I’ll leave cricket the day I wake up and decide to get bored.” This indicates his commitment to the sport and his determination to perform at his best.
Shami has also emphasized his dedication to fulfilling his responsibilities as a bowler, stating, “As a bowler, I will give my 100 per cent. I’ll perform my responsibilities and try to meet the expectations set for me.” His positive outlook suggests that he is focused on his current role in the IPL.
Despite his strong domestic performance, the reasons for Shami’s exclusion from the Indian team remain unclear. Observers are left wondering if he will be recalled to the national team in the future.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the selection process and criteria that have led to Shami’s ongoing absence from international cricket.
