Expectations are beginning to boil over in the Indian cricket fraternity as speculation mounts regarding the potential international return of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. Following the recent headline-grabbing comeback of 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the national side, former India star Suresh Raina has publicly backed Shami to replicate that feat, sending a clear message to fans and selectors alike: the speedster is far from finished.
Speaking at the jersey launch of the Indian Soft Ball Cricket League, Raina offered a candid assessment of the current landscape of Indian pace bowling. While praising the persistence of his former teammate Bhuvneshwar, Raina hinted that the path is being paved for Shami to reclaim his spot in the Indian XI.
A Lesson in Discipline and Grit
The return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the international fold has been nothing short of a masterclass in professional longevity. At 36, an age where most fast bowlers have long since retired or pivoted to coaching roles, Bhuvneshwar has found a second wind. Raina, a long-time associate of the pacer, was quick to attribute this late-career resurgence to sheer force of will.
“Making it to the Indian team at the age of 36 shows character,” Raina remarked. “He has been a very disciplined bowler and a very process-driven guy who has worked really hard on his body.”
Bhuvneshwar’s recent form has been nothing short of transformative. As a cornerstone of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back-to-back title-winning campaigns, he proved that experience and tactical acumen can often trump raw velocity. In the 2026 IPL season, he emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker, snaring 28 scalps with an impressive economy rate of 8.07. His ability to stifle batters in the PowerPlay and execute precise yorkers at the death has made him an invaluable asset, outperforming younger international stars like Josh Hazlewood, Jofra Archer, and Mohammed Siraj in high-pressure phases of the game.
The “Shami Factor”: A Return to the Fold?
While Bhuvneshwar has already made his triumphant return, Raina suggests that Shami is lurking in the shadows, ready to reclaim his mantle. The former middle-order batter was visibly optimistic when asked about Shami’s future, urging fans to remain patient.
“Absolutely, I think he has done well and played good domestic cricket too,” Raina stated. “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).”
Shami’s journey over the last few years has been a complex one. His last appearance for the national side came during the 2025 Champions Trophy, following his last Test outing in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. While he remains a proven match-winner, his recent white-ball statistics in the IPL have provided cause for concern. Across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Shami struggled to maintain his usual dominance, taking just 18 wickets in 22 matches while conceding runs at an economy of 10 per over.
However, Shami is banking on a return to the domestic grind to sharpen his rhythm. He is set to lead the charge for Bengal in the opening fixture of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, a tournament that has historically served as a proving ground for players looking to force their way back into the national selection committee’s good graces.
The Changing Face of Indian Pace
The discourse surrounding Shami and Bhuvneshwar highlights a fascinating evolution in Indian cricket. For years, the emphasis was heavily placed on pace, with the BCCI seeking out raw speed to combat conditions both at home and abroad. Now, with the success of Bhuvneshwar, there is a renewed appreciation for bowlers who understand the geometry of the game—swing, seam movement, and the psychological warfare involved in death-over bowling.
Bhuvneshwar’s statistical dominance in overs 1-6 (25 wickets) and overs 16-20 (18 wickets) over the last two years has served as a blueprint for veteran bowlers. It demonstrates that as pace naturally dips with age, control becomes the ultimate equalizer. If Shami can tap into this same level of precision and maintain his physical fitness, he could provide the Indian side with a much-needed injection of experience ahead of future ICC tournaments.
What Lies Ahead
The road to a national recall is never easy, especially for players in their mid-30s. The selectors are faced with a delicate balancing act: honoring the proven reliability of veterans or leaning into the high-octane potential of the next generation of pace talent.
However, Raina’s endorsement carries weight. He has seen firsthand what it takes to survive at the highest level, and he clearly believes that Shami possesses the necessary ingredients—domestic form, mental toughness, and a drive to compete—to bridge the gap between his recent struggles and a successful international comeback.
As the domestic season kicks off, all eyes will be on Shami. Whether he can find the swing and the accuracy that made him a global terror remains the big question. But if Suresh Raina’s confidence is any indicator, the veteran bowler is not just preparing for a domestic season—he is preparing for another shot at glory in the blue jersey. For now, the message is clear: watch this space.
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