I am trying to give my best – Mohammed Shami opens up on India’s New Zealand tour exclusion

India’s veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami said he is trying to give his absolute best while playing for Bengal in the domestic circuit. Shami was not picked in India’s Test squad for the series against New Zealand.

The veteran fast bowler bagged seven wickets in three matches of the Duleep Trophy while representing East Zone. Furthermore, the Bengal fast bowler took 37 wickets in the previous season of the Ranji Trophy and was one of the most impressive fast bowlers in the tournament along with Jammu and Kashmir, Auqib Nabi Dar.

Shami has scalped 15 wickets in four Test matches while playing in New Zealand. He last played a Test match for India in 2023, which was the WTC final against Australia.

“I’m always positive and focused on performing well in every match I play. I want to keep playing as many matches as possible because that helps me maintain my physical momentum, improve my game, and sharpen my skills. That’s what I’m focused on right now. What more can I do than keep playing and giving my best?,” Shami said.

“I’m focused entirely on my own game and don’t really concern myself with what others are doing. My priority is to fulfil whatever the team and the game demand of me. I’ve also completely stepped away from social media, as I don’t like spending too much time browsing it. Instead, I’m focusing on being on the ground, putting in the hours during practice sessions, and playing as many matches as possible this season. That’s where I want to invest my time and energy,” he added.

Shami added that he wants to keep his focus on the domestic circuit and control the controllables.

“I’m trying my best and giving it everything I have. Beyond that, what happens and what doesn’t is in God’s hands. For now, it’s very important for me to play the entire domestic season, as it will help me work on my skills, improve my game, and stay prepared for whatever lies ahead,” Shami said.

Shami picked five wickets in Bengal’s nine-wicket win against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy clash.