Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has made it abundantly clear that he remains ready, motivated and fit for national duty, underlining that his preparations and mindset are aligned to serve the country whenever the selectors deem fit. “Every person wants to play for the country. So, I am ready for that. My motivation is to stay fit and be available for the Indian team at all times. In the ground, I will continue to perform and the rest is on the selectors’ hands,” he declared in recent comments.
Shami’s message comes amid a period of uncertainty in his international career. Having faced injury setbacks and intermittent absences from the squad, he has emphasised that his personal responsibility lies in maintaining fitness, working hard and performing, while leaving the selection decisions to the appropriate authorities. In recent interviews he reiterated: “Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal,” referring to his domestic commitments with the home state side. This stance reflects a mature acceptance of how selection manifests in India’s national set-up.
Fitness has been a recurring narrative in Shami’s journey. After undergoing surgery for ankle and knee concerns following the 2023 World Test Championship final, he gradually returned to domestic cricket and other formats. While he has demonstrated match readiness — as evidenced by his appearances for Bengal in the domestic circuit — there remain questions regarding whether his recent workload and performance have met the national selectors’ expectations. The chief selector noted earlier that recent match practice and sustained fitness would determine future selection viability.
Shami’s mindset, however, appears far removed from frustration or impatience. Instead, his focus is on deliverables he controls: physical condition, mental sharpness and performance in competitive games. He speaks of staying available “at all times,” suggesting he views himself as an evergreen option if fit and in form. He emphasises that he will continue performing “in the ground” — a phrase that conveys his emphasis on action, not rhetoric.
From the perspective of team management and selectors, that kind of attitude is often highly valued. A player who accepts the uncertainty of selection, yet remains prepared, puts the onus on performance rather than entitlement. Shami’s comments send a clear message: he does not expect guarantees but seeks opportunity through merit. His previous international record — including match-winning spells and experience in high-pressure situations — underpins his claim that he remains capable of contributing when called upon.
At the same time, the pathway back into the Indian side is far from automatic. With the pace-bowling contingent deepening and younger options emerging, Shami must demonstrate not only fitness but impact. For a nation hungry for consistent results across formats, selection is increasingly tied to current form and adaptability rather than past achievements alone. Shami appears aware of this reality. By emphasising fitness and availability, he acknowledges that selectors seek dependability and readiness, not just name recognition.
The coming months will be crucial. Shami’s performances in domestic and franchise tournaments, his ability to handle workloads without setbacks, and his contribution under pressure will all feed into the selectors’ calculus. If he delivers consistently, his claim of being “ready” may translate into a recall. If not, he may find that patience, however steadfast, runs thin in high-stakes competition.
In essence, Mohammed Shami’s recent statement aligns with a theme other senior players have echoed: one must control what is in one’s power — fitness, form, attitude — and leave the rest to selection dynamics. His readiness to play for India, combined with a realistic acknowledgment of selection factors, makes his position clear. Whether an opportunity emerges soon or not depends on performance — from him and his contemporaries — but there can be no doubt about his intent and preparedness.