Suresh Raina backs Mohammed Shami for India return
Suresh Raina expressed optimism about Mohammed Shami's potential return to the national team following Bhuvneshwar Kumar's comeback.
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina said Mohammed Shami could soon return to the national team, following Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recall at age 36. Raina credited Bhuvneshwar's discipline and fitness work for his comeback and expressed confidence that Shami would follow after strong domestic performances. Shami last represented India at the 2025 Champions Trophy and has been playing Ranji Trophy for Bengal. Raina noted that Shami has done well in domestic cricket and is ready to return. Shami has struggled in the IPL over the past two seasons, claiming 18 wickets in 22 matches at an economy rate of 10 per over. Bhuvneshwar took 28 wickets in IPL 2026 at 8.07, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker.
CricHubb Take
Shami's domestic form provides a clearer pathway back than his IPL numbers suggest, since the red-ball conditions in Ranji Trophy offer the swing and seam movement that flat T20 pitches deny him.