Age has not been a problem for cricketers who continue to prove their worth on the field. However, for the fast bowlers, it is even more challenging, with the workload, fitness and consistency playing a huge role in determining how long they can stay at the top.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the Indian team at the age of 36 was a reminder for many that hard work can keep the door open, and former India batsman Suresh Raina feels Mohammed Shami could be the next veteran pacer to benefit from this scenario.
The veteran has also backed Shami's chances of making a comeback, as the fast bowler has been going through a similar journey to Bhuvneshwar. While the latter has earned another chance through his hard work and discipline, Shami has also been proving his talent in the domestic circuit. The latest outing has only furthered his credentials that he can still be a part of the team's plans.
Suresh Raina backs Mohammed Shami to follow Bhuvneshwar Kumar's path.
Bhuvneshwar's return has brought out a point of patience and professionalism in a career which can be especially testing for fast bowlers. Raina has credited the veteran pacer's disciplined attitude and the amount of work that he has put into staying fit, which in turn led to his successful comeback.
“Making it to the Indian team at the age of 36 shows character. He has been a very disciplined bowler and a very process-driven guy who has worked really hard on his body,” Raina noted.
Raina has also heaped praise on Shami, saying that his performances in domestic cricket should allow him another chance as the pacer tries to make his mark on an international stage. The former India batter's comments indicate his belief that the hard work will pay off for Shami as he looks to re-emerge on the international scene.
“Absolutely, I think he (Mohammed Shami) has done well and played good domestic cricket too. Now it is Bhuvi's turn, aur Shami bhi aa rahe hai piche piche, tension mat lijiye (Shami is also right behind him, so don't worry),” Raina added.
Mohammed Shami boosts his case for another India recall with a four-wicket haul in Ranji Trophy
Shami proved his point on Sunday, as the veteran pacer picked up four wickets as his Bengal side dismissed Delhi for 240 on the opening day of their Group C Ranji Trophy 2026-27 encounter at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani.
Coming off his performances in the 2025 and 2026 seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Shami picked up 18 wickets in 22 matches at an economy of 10 runs per over, the veteran pacer may be looking to pick his game up to prove his credentials.
As his international career stands at a crossroads, with his performances in the domestic circuit being a pointer towards his selection chances, Shami will look to produce consistent performances on his way to another India recall.
For a bowler of Shami's stature, picking up a rare spell of four wickets would not be sufficient to prove his credentials; He needs to put in the toil to ensure that the selectors consider him for another stint in the national set-up.
Mohammed Shami welcomes Bhuvneshwar's return to the Indian team
While Shami is looking to prove his case for a recall to the Indian national team, he has welcomed Bhuvneshwar's return to the maroon jersey. The pacer has expressed his happiness at the fact that his former teammate Bhuvneshwar is back in the national side after a long layoff.
Speaking to Revsportz after Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Delhi, Shami spoke highly of the efforts made by Bhuvneshwar and said that a talented player who puts in equal effort should not be kept away from the international side for too long.
“A person should keep going on hope alone. Look at the skill he has. It's not as if he hasn't been talking to anyone or anything like that. That doesn't mean you should keep a talent out for a long time. I'm happy for him because this has come after such a long time.”
Shami has also cited Bhuvneshwar's performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in his argument for another India recall. After picking up 18 wickets in 22 matches across the 2025 and 2026 editions of the IPL at an economy of 10 runs per over, Shami has called for an end to the wait for some consistent performances from the pacer.
“He (Bhuvneshwar) has also delivered performances consistently in the IPL. If someone is working hard, showing their skill and has the potential, why shouldn't they be playing? Everyone deserves a chance to perform,” he added.
Shami's long absence from the international team and poor numbers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) pose a challenge for him.
Shami's last appearance in an international match was in the 2025 Champions Trophy, while his latest Test appearance was in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. Since then, while continuing to play domestic cricket, Shami has been looking to make his appearance in the Indian team.
However, his performances in the IPL across the 2025 and 2026 seasons do not seem to bolster his case as a bowler who can turn up and take wickets at a moment's notice. Shami claimed 18 wickets in 22 matches across the two editions of the IPL at an economy of 10 runs per over, which has not been sufficient to convince the selectors of his credentials as a bowler who can produce in the shortest format.
Fitness and form have also been points of discussion during his long stint away from the Indian team. As a veteran pacer, staying fit and turning up to bowl consistently will be key for Shami if he wants to turn his domestic form into a call-up for the national side. With that being said, the pacer is not looking to be swayed by the opinions of outsiders. Speaking on his mindset while playing domestic cricket, Shami has said that he will look to play wherever he gets a chance and let his performances do the talking.
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“People perhaps enjoy looking and passing comments more. They say the rhythm isn't there, that he doesn't look fit, or whatever else. It doesn't bother me. I'm on the ground, I'm playing, and I'm playing wherever I'm given a chance. The rest is your job,” he said.
Can Mohammed Shami turn domestic performances into an India comeback?
Bhuvneshwar's return has prompted Raina to opine that a veteran fast bowler can use his discipline, fitness and performances to win a recall to the India team. For Shami, picking up wickets in domestic cricket to prove his credentials can help him stay in the race for a recall to the national side.
With the veteran pacer picking up four wickets in the first innings of the Ranji Trophy encounter against Delhi, he now has to keep up the performances with the ball to bolster his India credentials.