Sitanshu Kotak Leaves Mohammed Shami's India Comeback Decision To BCCI Selectors

Sitanshu Kotak and Mohammed Shami (Source: AFP)India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has shared his views on Mohammed Shami’s chances of returning to the Indian team. His comments came after ace fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled from October 22 to November 1.Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return has raised questions about Mohammed Shami's future in Indian cricket. Shami has been performing well in domestic cricket but has not played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai.Sitanshu Kotak Speaks About Mohammed Shami's India ReturnSpeaking ahead of the IND vs WI 2nd T20I, Sitanshu Kotak said he could not comment on why Mohammed Shami was not selected for the Indian team.The batting coach made it clear that he is not part of the selection panel and could not explain the selectors' decisions. However, he praised Shami's recent performances and said the fast bowler could return if the team needed him.“First of all, I am not a selector, so it is difficult for me to tell you that. But Shami is also playing and he is also doing well,” Kotak said.ALSO READMohammed Shami Records That Will Be Impossible To Break By An Indian Bowler"If the selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected.” Sitanshu Kotak added.One thing that can be mentioned here is that for Shami, the door to an international comeback does not appear to be closed. However, he will need to keep performing well and wait for the selectors to decide.Mohammed Shami's Recent PerformanceMohammed Shami has continued to impress in domestic cricket despite being out of the Indian team. The Bengal fast bowler has worked hard to maintain his fitness and form through several domestic competitions.During the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, Shami took 37 wickets in 13 innings for Bengal at an average of 16.72 and an economy rate of 2.69. His performances placed him among the leading wicket-takers in the tournament.He also claimed 31 wickets across the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy and the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Shami was also included in the East Zone squad for the 2026 Duleep Trophy, where he picked up seven wickets in five innings at an economy rate of 3.00.With Mohammed Shami continuing to perform in domestic cricket, his chances of returning to the Indian team remain a topic of discussion.ALSO READBevon Jacobs Joins Brisbane Heat For Short-Term BBL Deal