Mohammed Shami gets Bharat Arun's backing for India comeback after 100th FC game

Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has urged selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir to keep the door open for Mohammed Shami’s return to the national team. Arun said the veteran fast bowler was moved on too quickly despite steady domestic output, arguing that age should not be a barrier if performance remains strong. Shami is currently playing his 100th first-class match and has been prolific in 2025-26: 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy games for Bengal (16.72 average) and 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare matches (24.53 average). His last Test was the 2023 WTC final; he hasn’t played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final. For New Zealand, BCCI has shortlisted Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Akash Deep.