‘We Are Like Labourers’: Mohammed Shami Breaks Silence on India Comeback Calls

Mohammed Shami responded strongly to growing India comeback calls after a strong Ranji Trophy season with 37 wickets.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami addressed growing calls for his India comeback during a Bengal Pro T20 League event last Tuesday. Shami said his focus remained on putting in consistent effort rather than reacting to outside noise.

He also noted that Injuries formed part of a cricketer’s journey and stressed the importance of staying grounded and committed to daily work.

“Hum mazdoor aadmi hain, humein bas ball daalni hai (we are like labourers, we just have to keep bowling). There will be ups and downs in life — injuries and all — but you should never forget your ground-level hard work,” he said.

Notably, Shami had recently delivered 2/9 with 18 dot balls for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. He also took 37 wickets at 16.72 in the Ranji Trophy, including 8/90 in the semifinals.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly also supported Mohammed Shami’s return the event. He said Shami deserved a place alongside Jasprit Bumrah in India’s attack.

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Ganguly referred to Shami’s IPL 2026 spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Shami had delivered 4 overs, conceded 9 runs, and took 2 wickets. He then recalled Shami’s Ranji Trophy campaign for Bengal. Shami claimed 8 wickets in the semifinal despite the team’s loss.

“He should be bowling at the other end of Bumrah, nowhere else. That’s how good he is. We all saw that spell the other night against Sunrisers Hyderabad — four overs, nine runs against two of the best T20 players, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. That was phenomenal,” Ganguly said.

“He had a strong Ranji Trophy season for Bengal. I still remember that semifinal, even though Bengal lost, he picked eight wickets. He was instrumental in taking the team that far. I’m very happy he wants to continue playing in the Ranji Trophy. It’s tough for a fast bowler, but there’s nothing better than watching Mohammed Shami run in with the new ball, “ Ganguly concluded.