Signing you in

How could people watching from the outside decide how many overs he should bowl? Why should a fast bowler continue bowling when the pitch and match situation demanded something different?

Shami was responding to criticism that he had been bowling short spells in domestic cricket, sometimes of just three overs, before taking breaks. The 36-year-old questioned the basis of such assessments, insisting that bowling changes were dictated by the conditions and the team's requirements rather than an individual bowler's fitness.

"How can anyone else from the outside decide whether I bowl long spells or not? That is dependent on the demands of the team. It is not like I will keep bowling over after over," Shami told reporters after Bengal's win over Services in Palam on Tuesday.

"On a wicket like this, for example, how can it be planned that a fast bowler will bowl five or ten overs? If it is uncomfortable for a batter, the fast bowler will bowl. If we think a spinner will get the wickets, he will bowl obviously. This thing depends entirely on the game situation and pitch conditions. That is the captain's call."

Shami then offered another detail about his preparation. "By the way, I have bowled for one-and-a-half hours today. There was no issue."

Asked whether age had affected his fitness, Shami was even more emphatic. "I am still at my peak. There is no point beating around the bush. However I am, I am at my peak."WHY SHAMI SAT OUT?

Shami did not feature in Bengal's second Ranji Trophy match despite the absence of Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, who were away on India A duty. He had played the season opener against Delhi in Kalyani, returning figures of four for 30 in 17.3 overs, including nine maidens.

His absence at Palam had raised questions, particularly as it came shortly after he was overlooked for India's two-Test tour of New Zealand.

Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla had clarified after the opening day's play that Shami was fit and had himself requested rest after a heavy workload against Delhi. Shukla described the fast bowler as a "cheetah" and said resting him also allowed Bengal to try younger players.

Shami offered his own explanation after the Services match, pointing to the nature of the Palam pitch.

"You could see the condition of the pitch, right? There was no point in playing on this wicket for 2-4 overs. It was better that the youngsters got a run. The more they play, the more experiences they will get. My motive is that when the team requires me, I play. I don't think there was really a need here. I can't play as a batter obviously."

Although he was not in the playing XI, Shami remained involved with the team throughout the match. He trained on the eve of the game, spent time speaking with Bengal's physio and was seen practising his batting near the sight screen after the opening day's play. He was also seen helping carry an ice box onto the ground.

Before the third day's play, Shami said he had spent 90 minutes bowling in training. His presence around the team and continued training offered a different picture from the speculation surrounding his absence.EYEING THE 2027 WORLD CUP?

Shami's latest comments come against the backdrop of another missed opportunity to return to international cricket. Despite his domestic performances, he was not included in India's Test squad for New Zealand or the India A squad for the multi-day matches preceding the series.

Last season, Shami took 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal at an average of 16.72, including three five-wicket hauls. His best figures were eight for 90.

Yet, Shami insisted he was not disappointed by the latest selection decision and wanted to concentrate on playing as much cricket as possible.

"It was not about disappointment. I played all the matches last season as well. My motive is that I play as much as I can in the upcoming tournaments. Nobody knows when anybody would be needed," he said.

"I can't praise myself. This is something that you all will have to be asked," he said, adding that his responsibility was to give his best for whichever team he represented.

On whether there had been any communication with the national selectors, Shami offered a brief response.

"I am not with the team. I am not contracted. Why will anybody talk to me right now?"

Shami also welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the Indian team, saying the experienced pacer should have been recalled much earlier based on his performances. He then joked that reporters were trying to drag him into another controversy.

As for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Shami was unwilling to make predictions or set himself a distant target.

"I don't think that far ahead. You never know what will happen in life. You don't know who will score runs or take wickets. There is no point thinking that far ahead. Just keep playing the matches. Just keep improving," he said.

But when asked whether the desire to play for India was still alive, his answer was unequivocal.

"Why will I leave hope? The hope should always be there. In any profession, you shouldn't leave hope. You should always have a goal. I don't deny that I have that goal."BENGAL IS SPECIAL: SHAMI

For Shami, continuing to play domestic cricket is about more than staying ready for another India opportunity. Bengal, he said, remains central to his cricketing journey.

"This is the team that has given me a name. All these cameras and questions, trying to trap me, are because of this team. And whenever I end my career, it will be with this team," Shami said.

"The stage or level does not matter. You should have loyalty and hard work. That I am doing. Only that it is in my control. The rest isn't in my control. Just keep playing. That is my thinking."

For now, Shami is not making promises about an India comeback or the next World Cup. He is content to keep turning out for Bengal, maintaining his rhythm and answering questions about his cricket with more cricket.- Ends

Chennai guy who is making money out of watching and writing on sports from New Delhi. Ex-Engineer who loves going that extra mile for keeping people informed. My girlfriend tells me that I keep watching cricket a bit too much. I have fallen in love with racquet sports as well.