Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has voiced his satisfaction regarding the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the national cricket team after a four-year absence. Shami, who is currently leading the Bengal bowling attack, made these comments following his recent four-wicket haul during a Ranji Trophy match against Delhi held at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground in Kalyani.
At 36, Shami continues to emphasize his dedication and technical expertise on the field, dismissing external concerns regarding his rhythm and physical fitness. The experienced bowler highlighted the importance of playing with "smartness" rather than relying solely on raw effort, especially when conditions are challenging. "I don’t care about all this and I enjoy my game," Shami stated, referring to public speculation about his career and form. He asserted that his own performance remains consistent, noting that he does not feel any significant change in his inherent skills as a fast bowler.
During the interaction, Shami also addressed the nature of the pitches provided for domestic matches. He reiterated his long-standing request for home tracks that are more conducive to fast bowling, arguing that the current slow surfaces do not play to the strengths of his side, which includes fellow international pacers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar. Shami explained that on humid days, it is necessary for bowlers to manage their energy levels effectively rather than bowling long, taxing spells on unhelpful surfaces.
While Shami remained reserved when asked about his own potential path back to national selection, he invited observers to judge his fitness based on his active participation in the domestic season. For now, he remains focused on leading the Bengal attack and adapting his strategy to the conditions provided in the ongoing tournament.
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