Mohammed Shami Makes Emotional Bengal Admission, Says 'This is the team...'

Mohammed Shami has offered a reminder of the value of loyalty. The India fast bowler, whose international future remains uncertain, has made one thing clear as Bengal will always hold a special place in his career.

Speaking after Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Services, Shami credited the state team for helping establish his reputation and made a significant statement about where he intends to bring his playing career to an end.

"As far as Bengal cricket is concerned, this is the team that has given me a name," Shami said after Bengal's win over Services in the Ranji Trophy.

"And whenever I end my career, it will be with this team," he added.

Shami also stressed that loyalty and hard work matter more to him than the stature of the competition.

Shami explains why domestic cricket matters

Shami's comments came amid renewed questions about his fitness and the absence of an international recall. The fast bowler last played for India in March 2025 during the Champions Trophy, where he claimed nine wickets. Since then, he has continued to feature in domestic cricket and the IPL while waiting for another opportunity at international level.

For Shami, however, domestic cricket is not simply a route back into the national team. He believes it provides the ideal platform for players to develop rhythm, improve their game and challenge opponents.

"I don't know what will happen or what won't. But there can't be anything better for any player than the fact that the domestic season has started," he said.

He urged both senior and junior players to make the most of the competition, arguing that everyone available should look to make life difficult for the opposition.

Why Shami did not play against Services

Shami's absence from Bengal's playing XI against Services also attracted attention, particularly with questions being raised about his workload. He explained that the decision was based on the conditions, with the pitch favouring spinners and offering limited reason to deploy a senior fast bowler.

Rather than viewing the match as a missed opportunity, Shami saw it as a chance for younger bowlers to gain experience.

He also rejected the idea that outsiders could determine whether he needed to bowl longer spells, insisting that workload depended on match situations, pitch conditions and the captain's assessment.