Suresh Raina on Mohammed Shami's comeback [Source: AFP]Bhuvneshwar Kumar's blockbuster return to the Indian T20I team created a lot of stir over the past week. At 36, the opening bowler has beaten all the odds to stage his comeback.This comes amid calls for Mohammed Shami's comeback, which fans and some former players have been looking forward to. Suresh Raina weighed in and felt the day is not far away.Suresh Raina opens up on Mohammed Shami's India returnBhuvneshwar Kumar was named in the squad for India's upcoming tour of New Zealand after helping the Royal Challengers Bengaluru win back-to-back IPL titles. This was a big example of the selectors not closing doors on players who haven't featured for India in a long time.While the RCB bowler last played for India in 2022, Shami featured and did well in the 2023 World Cup. Former teammate Suresh Raina, at the Indian Soft Ball Cricket League jersey launch spoke highly of Shami and feels the comeback is just around the corner."Making it to the Indian team at the age of 36 shows character. He has been a very disciplined bowler and a very process-driven guy who has worked hard on his body," Raina said, while praising Bhuvneshwar Kumar.ALSO READArshdeep Singh To Counter Shai Hope? India vs West Indies Player Battles- 3rd T20I, 2026"Absolutely, I think he [Mohammed Shami] has done well and played good domestic cricket too. Now it is Bhuvi's turn, aur Shami bhi aa rahe hai peeche peeche, tension mat lijiye [Shami is also coming back soon, do not worry]," Raina added.Shami has impressed in domestic cricketDespite being at the wrong side of the 30s, Mohammed Shami staged a very impressive return from his ankle and subsequent knee issues since the World Cup 2023. While he has not been able to break back into the Indian team since the Champions Trophy 2025, he featured heavily for Bengal in the last Ranji Trophy season.Playing 7 matches in 2025/26, the bowler picked 37 wickets at an average of 16.72 and just finished outside the top-5 wicket-takers. Although he was a bit expensive in white-ball cricket, the performances from some of India's second-choice pacers has led to fans asking for his ODI return ahead of the World Cup 2027.ALSO READRahmat Shah Joins Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill In Special List After 4th Test Century
