Mohammed Shami served a timely reminder of his fitness on Tuesday with a match-winning spell that secured Bengal’s second successive victory in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. Shami produced figures of 5 for 38 at Eden Gardens and picked up his 13th first-class five-for as Bengal defeated Gujarat by 144 runs.
During the match, Shami claimed eight wickets from 28.3 overs. He is now third on the Ranji Trophy wicket-taker list this season, with 15 wickets at an impressive average of 10.46 from four innings.
“When you perform like this, it feels good both mentally and physically. Coming out of a difficult phase and performing well gives a lot of satisfaction. The time after the [2023] The World Cup was tough and painful,” Shami said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“But then I played the Ranji Trophy, white-ball cricket, the IPL, Champions Trophy, Duleep Trophy [since his comeback late last year]. Now my rhythm is back to where it was before. I clearly feel there is still a lot of cricket in me,” he added.
Shami has been open about his disappointment at missing out on the Indian selection for the England tour. During the squad announcement for the West Indies Tests, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had stated that the fast bowler had not played enough cricket to be eligible.
Since then, there have been some indirect exchanges between the two through the media. It is perhaps in this context that Shami was asked if this felt like another comeback, a suggestion he promptly dismissed.
“This was not a comeback match for me. If you had said that last year, it might have made sense. But yes, as far as this match is concerned, what we did was a special comeback. We decided to bat for 8-10 overs today, we had already taken three runs. [first-innings lead]. The situation was tough, but the boys did their best. It is rare to change the game in this way, especially on this type of wicket. It is a great job by the boys,” said Shami.
Amid speculation that his Ranji form could pave the way for a return to the South Africa Tests, Shami chose to distance himself from the chatter on social media, reiterating that his focus remains on performing at his best wherever he plays.
“Yes, I knew this question would come. Controversy haunts me. What else can I do or say? In today’s world, social media twists everything. My job is to perform well. Wherever I get an opportunity, I will give my best. The rest is up to God. Bengal is my home. Every match I play for Bengal is special,” Shami said.
Coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla was effusive in his praise for Shami’s discipline, stressing that the pacer is fully fit and in excellent rhythm. At the same time, Shukla emphasized the importance of carefully managing Shami’s workload.
“You all saw how Shami bowled. I can’t add anything to it. His performance said it all. There is no doubt about his effort. The whole world knows what Mohammed Shami is. He doesn’t need a certificate from anyone, his bowling is the certificate. He is completely fit,” Shukla said.
“If you compare his run-up and rhythm from when he played for India to now, you won’t find any difference. Even after 500 wickets, he is in fantastic rhythm. He is playing with complete composure now,” he added.
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