Mohammed Shami, Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar (Source: AFP)One thing is certain - Mohammed Shami, the 36-year-old veteran fast bowler, is no longer an automatic choice for the Indian team. Still, his domestic performances have continued to make a strong case for his return.Shami last represented India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final and has not played for the team since then.However, his latest performance in the 2026 Duleep Trophy has once again raised an important question - Should India management and Ajit Agarkar consider Shami for an India comeback, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching?Mohammed Shami's Issues Clear Message After East Zone's Duleep Trophy WinMohammed Shami played an important role in East Zone's successful Duleep Trophy campaign, which ended with the team lifting the title after a 13-year wait.The final against South Zone ended in a draw, but East Zone secured the win because of their huge first-innings lead. In the Duleep Trophy 2026, the ace pacer took 7 wickets in 5 innings at an economy rate of 3.00.Notably, Mohammed Shami's fitness concerns became a talking point when BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar questioned whether he could handle the workload of the longer formats. Following the Duleep Trophy 2026 final, Shami addressed the continued questions over his fitness, which led to his Team India snub.Speaking to RevSportz, the experienced pacer questioned why his fitness remains a concern despite his impressive performances on the field.Also Read: Sourav Ganguly Reveals Truth Behind Mohammed Shami's 2027 World Cup Talks"Bahut mehnat karna padta hai bhai (it takes a lot of hard work),” Shami told RevSportz. “I’m very much enjoying my cricket. Didn’t you watch the game? Did I look unfit?," he added. Does Mohammed Shami’s Think About His India Comeback?Mohammed Shami also made it clear that he is not spending too much time worrying about his non-selection for the Indian team, as such things are beyond his control."I have said this many times, I have stopped thinking about something that is not in my hands. I’m enjoying my cricket, I’m doing the hard work, and I always play for the badge."Workhorse Mohammed Shami toiling in domestic circuitMohammed Shami's return to India has become a tough challenge as he is on the wrong side of the thirties. His biggest challenge is not his ability with the ball but the question surrounding his fitness and workload.The star bowler suffered a major setback after the 2023 ODI World Cup when he sustained an ankle injury, underwent surgery, and did not play for a significant period.Since then, however, Shami has consistently proved his form and fitness in domestic cricket. During the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, he claimed 37 wickets in 13 innings at an economy rate of 2.69. He also starred with the ball in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, scalping 15 wickets in seven innings. With the India tour of New Zealand 2026 approaching and the 2027 World Cup next year, the selectors could face a tricky decision regarding Shami's selection. Age is certainly a factor, but Shami’s experience, ability to take wickets and recent domestic performances make him difficult to ignore.Also Read: List of Sachin Tendulkar Records That Joe Root Is Yet To Break After ENG vs PAK 2026
