Sports · Cricket · 21 hrs ago
Suresh Raina backs Mohammed Shami to return to India team
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina believes fast bowler Mohammed Shami could return to the national team soon.
His comments follow the return of fellow fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been recalled at age 36.
Raina praised Bhuvneshwar’s discipline and fitness, and said Shami has also done well in domestic cricket.
Shami last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy and is set to represent Bengal in the opening fixture of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.
His recent IPL results have been less strong: he took 18 wickets in 22 matches across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, conceding 10 runs per over.
Bhuvneshwar’s return shows that experience and skill can help a bowler earn selection, while Shami’s domestic performances give Raina reason for optimism.
Raina’s comments are a prediction, not confirmation of a selection; Shami’s next stated step is playing for Bengal.
Suresh Raina said Mohammed Shami could soon return to the India team, following Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall.
Raina pointed to Shami’s performances in domestic cricket as a reason for optimism.
Shami last played for India at the 2025 Champions Trophy.
He is set to represent Bengal in their opening fixture of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.
Shami took 18 wickets in 22 IPL matches across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with an economy rate of 10 runs per over.
- Who
- Suresh Raina backed Mohammed Shami to return to the India team.
- What
- Raina said Shami could follow Bhuvneshwar Kumar back into the national team.
- When
- Raina made the comments at the Indian Soft Ball Cricket League jersey launch; the articles were published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The comments were made at the Indian Soft Ball Cricket League jersey launch. The location is not stated.
- Why
- Raina said Shami had done well in domestic cricket. He also pointed to Bhuvneshwar’s return as a precedent.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
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)
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
Shami made his most recent Test appearance, against Australia.
Shami last featured for India.
Raina backed Shami to return to the national team, following Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall.
Shami is set to represent Bengal in its opening fixture.
- Raina’s assessment
- Shami could be close to an India return
- Shami’s last India appearance
- 2025 Champions Trophy
- Most recent Test appearance
- 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia
- Domestic team
- Bengal
- Upcoming competition
- 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season
- IPL record
- 18 wickets in 22 matches across the 2025 and 2026 seasons; economy rate of 10 runs per over
Sources
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