Mohammed Shami on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India recall

Mohammed Shami took centre stage during Bengal’s first-round Ranji Trophy match against Delhi at Kalyani on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The experienced fast bowler delivered a standout performance, claiming 4 wickets while conceding just 30 runs across 17.3 overs, including 9 maidens. Delhi were bundled out for 240 in their first innings, with Shami’s disciplined bowling playing a key role in restricting the opposition.

Speaking after the match, Shami reflected on the recent selection of fellow pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for India’s T20I tour of New Zealand. Bhuvneshwar, also 36 years old, was picked for the tour following a productive run in the Indian Premier League. Shami expressed his view on the timing of Bhuvneshwar’s international recall, emphasising that consistent domestic and league performances deserve recognition.

“Bhuvi should have been picked a long time ago. He doesn’t talk to anyone. He is not like that.” Shami was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

“It doesn’t mean that you should stop a talent for a long time. It’s good for him. He has delivered back-to-back performances in the IPL, so he deserves it,” he added.

Why Bhuvneshwar deserved earlier selection

Shami’s comments underscored Bhuvneshwar’s consistent performances in the IPL, which ultimately led to his selection for the New Zealand assignment. The pacer’s return to the Indian team came after a period outside the national setup. Shami acknowledged the value of recognising talent and rewarding consistent domestic and league performances with international opportunities.

Bengal’s pace attack featured multiple quality bowlers alongside Shami. The squad included Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar and Ishan Porel, forming a formidable bowling unit. Shami highlighted the strength of Bengal’s pace resources during the match, expressing concern about the nature of the surface at Kalyani.

Bengal’s pace bowling strength and pitch concerns

Reflecting on the pitch conditions, Shami explained the challenges posed by the playing surface. The experienced bowler felt that Bengal’s exceptional pace bowling unit deserved a more conducive wicket for their skill set. He articulated his frustration with the pitch preparation given the quality of bowlers available to the team.

“The pitch was on the slower side. We didn’t expect it. There was a demand for a helpful wicket. Akash is playing, Mukesh is playing, I am playing. No team has this kind of pace bowling,” Shami said. “With this bowling, I don’t think we deserve this type of wicket,” he added.

Shami’s performance in the Ranji Trophy came as he continued his domestic cricket commitments. His exclusion from the national team since the Champions Trophy triumph in early 2025 had kept him away from international cricket, though he remained active in domestic and league formats. The veteran pacer’s standout display against Delhi demonstrated his continued fitness and bowling prowess at the domestic level.

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