Raina and Saini back Shami for India return

Former India cricketers Suresh Raina and Navdeep Saini have backed Mohammed Shami for a possible return to the national cricket team, pointing to his domestic performances. Their support is personal opinion, and no official announcement has confirmed a selection or comeback. Raina said Shami had done well in domestic cricket and suggested he could follow Bhuvneshwar Kumar back into the India team. Bhuvneshwar has been included in India’s T20I squad for the New Zealand series. Speaking at the jersey launch of the Indian Soft Ball Cricket League, Raina praised Bhuvneshwar’s discipline and work on his fitness, and said he believed Shami was close behind. Saini also said Shami deserved another opportunity, citing the fast bowler’s service to India and what he had seen of his recent domestic bowling. Saini said Shami appeared to retain his potential and rhythm. Those remarks, like Raina’s, reflect the players’ assessments rather than any indication of selectors’ plans. Shami was playing for Bengal against Delhi in a Ranji Trophy match on Sunday. A report on the game said he had taken three wickets after 67 overs of Delhi’s first innings.