Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami sent a powerful reminder to India’s selectors with a sensational eight-wicket match haul for Bengal cricket team in their Ranji Trophy semi-final against Jammu & Kashmir in Kalyani on Tuesday.
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Bowling at the Bengal Cricket Ground, Shami ripped through the opposition batting line-up with trademark pace, discipline and seam movement. He completed his five-wicket haul in the 59th over of the first innings, dismissing wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan caught behind before celebrating passionately with teammates.
The eight-wicket match return underlined the 35-year-old’s impressive domestic season. With India’s fast-bowling depth constantly under scrutiny, Shami has quietly built a strong case for a national recall through consistent performances.
His resurgence has been gathering momentum over the past few months. Against Services last month, he claimed 5/51 in the second innings, and overall he has now picked up 38 wickets in seven matches, including three five-wicket hauls, placing him among the standout performers of this Ranji season.
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Shami’s impact has not been limited to red-ball cricket. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scalped 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 6.09, showing that his white-ball skills remain sharp.
Despite these numbers, he was overlooked for the recent ODI series against New Zealand and was not included in India’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Mohammed Siraj was drafted in as an injury replacement for Harshit Rana instead.
Shami has also faced setbacks off the field, including losing his BCCI central contract. His last appearance for India came during the 2025 Champions Trophy, after which he has been rebuilding his case through domestic performances.
Meanwhile, Bengal posted a commanding 328 in their first innings, powered by Sudip Kumar Gharami’s superb 146. With Shami leading the bowling attack, Jammu & Kashmir were kept under sustained pressure, leaving Bengal firmly in control of the semi-final.
After the Ranji Trophy, Shami is set to return to franchise action with Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. With India’s 2026 calendar packed with crucial Test assignments, his current form may soon make him too difficult for selectors to ignore.
