Mohammed Shami, India’s fastest to 200 ODI wickets, insists he is still at his peak

Mohammed Shami has firmly dismissed doubts over his fitness and commitment after missing Bengal’s second-round Ranji Trophy encounter against Services, insisting that he remains at the peak of his powers and is determined to return to the Indian team.

Shami’s absence, coming just two days after he was overlooked for India’s ODI and Test squads for the forthcoming New Zealand tour, had fuelled speculation about his fitness, as his absence from international cricket stretched beyond 20 months.

However, Bengal’s 60-run victory on Tuesday appeared to vindicate his decision, as spinners claimed 39 of the 40 wickets on a difficult surface at the Air Force Ground in Palam.

“I am still at the peak of my fitness, and there is no point in telling lies,” Shami told reporters, brushing aside questions about his physical condition.

Explaining his decision to sit out, the fast bowler said the pitch offered little scope for seamers, while the match provided valuable experience for younger players. He added that his priority was to be available whenever the team genuinely needed him.

Shami also rejected suggestions on social media that he struggled to sustain long spells in red-ball cricket, arguing that bowling workloads depended on match situations and pitch conditions rather than preconceived plans.

His recent performances offered some reassurance, as he delivered more than 35 overs and claimed five wickets in Bengal’s nine-wicket victory over Delhi in Kalyani last week.

He further revealed that he had bowled for an hour and a half on Tuesday, stressing that there was no issue with his fitness.