Mohammed Shami Hits Back At Fitness Critics [Source: CAB]Amid growing concerns around his comeback, Indian veteran pacer Mohammed Shami registered impressive figures of 4/30 in 17.3 overs during the Ranji Trophy game between Bengal and Delhi.Shami, who last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, recently returned to domestic cricket. He featured in the Bengal vs Delhi Ranji Trophy 2026-27 game and made an impact on the opening day itself.Mohammed Shami hits back at criticsOn Day 1 of the Bengal vs Delhi game, Mohammed Shami took 4 wickets for 30 runs in 17.3 overs. His wickets included Ayush Doseja, Yash Dhull and Hrithik Shokeen.Meanwhile, after stumps, Shami spoke to RevSportz and addressed the criticism surrounding his fitness. He said that he was not bothered by what people had to say about him, as people love to pass unnecessary comments.Instead of getting upset or trying to prove himself through words, Shami says he is focused on playing cricket and taking every opportunity he gets.“People perhaps enjoy looking and passing comments more. They say the rhythm isn’t there, that he doesn’t look fit, or whatever else. It doesn’t bother me. I’m on the ground, I’m playing, and I’m playing wherever I’m given a chance. The rest is your job, Shami said.ALSO READ‘Not My Loss’: Mohammed Shami Issues Fresh Statement On India ExclusionClearly, Mohammed Shami thinks he is fit to play red-ball cricket. However, the Indian management perhaps thinks otherwise, as the veteran pacer has been denied every opportunity at a comeback.Controversy around Shami’s fitnessNotably, the controversy around Mohammed Shami’s fitness began around 2024. It took him a long time to recover from the heel injury he sustained during the 2023 World Cup.But during recovery, Shami developed multiple setbacks. However, despite returning to competitive cricket in 2025, the pacer was ignored multiple times for India selection.The disagreement became public when then chief selector Ajit Agarkar claimed that Shami would have been selected if he had been fit. He suggested that the team had concerns beyond his ability to perform in individual matches.However, Mohammed Shami argued that if he could play four-day Ranji Trophy matches and bowl effectively for Bengal, he should be considered fit enough for 50-over cricket too. The issue was never resolved as both Shami and the selection committee were at loggerheads, thus delaying the pacer’s comeback.ALSO READAbhishek Sharma Becomes Fastest Batter To Breach 2000 Run-Mark In T20Is, Surpasses Suryakumar Yadav
