The BCCI senior selection committee announced India’s T20I squad for the New Zealand tour on October 6, 2026, with a notable recall capturing attention. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the 36-year-old fast bowler, returned to the squad after an extended absence from international cricket. His last appearance for India came in November 2022 against New Zealand.
Mohammed Shami, the Bengal pacer, responded to Bhuvneshwar’s selection with a measured statement that underscored his own priorities. Shami acknowledged the development but made clear his focus lay elsewhere. Shami’s last T20I appearance came on February 2, 2025, against England, while his most recent ODI was on March 9, 2025, against New Zealand.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar got the chance to play for India, and that’s good for him,” Shami said, as quoted by RevSportz, when asked about his selection.
“But his selection doesn’t concern me. Wherever I get the chance to play, I will give my best. Right now, my focus is firmly on this Ranji match. The same thing has been happening with me for the last two or three years. I have been performing and have proved my fitness for Bengal. If I don’t get the chance to play for India again, it’s not my loss,” he added.
Bhuvneshwar’s strong IPL form and return to T20I
Bhuvneshwar’s return to the T20I squad came on the back of a strong IPL 2026 campaign. The fast bowler took 28 wickets during the tournament and finished second in the wicket-taking column, demonstrating his continued ability to perform at the highest domestic level. His last international appearance stretched back nearly four years, making his recall a significant development in India’s T20I planning.
Shami’s domestic focus and commitment
Shami’s comments reflected his concentration on the Ranji Trophy, which was set to begin on October 11, 2026. Despite his absence from the T20I squad, Shami remained committed to proving his fitness and form through domestic cricket. The pacer’s measured response highlighted his acceptance of the selection process while maintaining his resolve to perform whenever called upon.
Abhimanyu Easwaran-led Bengal cricket team will start its Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign with a clash against Delhi at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, from Sunday, October 11.
