Out-of-favour pacer Mohammed Shami delivered a stunning eight-wicket spell in the Ranji Trophy semifinal for Bengal against Jammu and Kashmir, strengthening his case for an India recall.
Shami Shines in Ranji Trophy Semifinal, Boosts India Comeback Hopes
New Delhi: Out-of-favour Indian team fast bowler Mohammed Shami has sent a strong message to the selectors with his impressive performance in domestic cricket. Playing for Bengal in the second semi-final of the Ranji Trophy, Shami took eight wickets in an innings against Jammu and Kashmir. His lethal bowling helped Jammu and Kashmir to score 302 runs, giving Bengal a crucial first-innings lead.
This is Shami's best performance in the Ranji Trophy, surpassing his previous record of 7/79. He has taken 36 wickets so far this season. Previously, he had shown excellent form by taking 16 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 15 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His consistent performances clearly indicate Shami's hunger for wickets remains intact and he is ready to return to the big stage.
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Shami has been included in the list of best bowling performances in an innings for Bengal in first-class cricket. Although Premangshu Chatterjee's 10/20 in 1957 still holds the top spot, Shami's eight-wicket spell is considered extremely significant in the modern era. His accurate line, length, and swing in difficult conditions completely troubled the batsmen.
An 8️⃣-wicket masterpiece 🫡
Watch 🎥
Mohd. Shami wreaks havoc with his career-best First Class figures of 8/90 🔥
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After the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami was sidelined from the Indian team due to injury and fitness issues. He has since been working tirelessly in domestic cricket to regain the selectors' trust. This performance is being seen as a strong message to the selection committee led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Shami was also left out of the BCCI central contract for 2025-26, even though his last match for India was in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
After a stellar run in domestic cricket, Shami is now set to return to the IPL with the Lucknow Super Giants in 2026. If he maintains this momentum, a return to the Indian team is considered possible soon.
Shami's lethal bowling is not only a significant sign for his career, but could also prove to be positive news for the Indian fast bowling attack.
