‘My motivation is to stay fit…’: Mohammed Shami ready for India return after Ranji heroics

The Bengal speedster has made a strong claim for international comeback with a fiery spell that saw him take a match haul of eight wickets and propel his team to a 141-run win over Gujarat at the Eden Gardens.

“A lot of hard work is there and I believe luck too plays a part. Every person wants to play for the country. So, I am ready for that (again),” Shami told reporters after his five-wicket haul in Gujarat’s second innings.

“My motivation is to stay fit and be available for the Indian team at all times. In the ground, I will continue to perform and the rest is on the selectors’ hands.“

He added, “It’s a relief. Mentally, physically, it feels very good, because, you are coming back from such a difficult time (injury), and you stay on the ground after that.

“After that, all the things… Ranji Trophy, domestic season, white ball cricket, then IPL, Champions Trophy, then Duleep Trophy, and now these two matches. So, the rhythm, the flow was there. Now it feels like cricket is still there (left in me).“