On Tuesday, Mohammed Shami gave a timely signal of his fitness, bowling an all-match winning exercise to ensure Bengal won Ranji Trophy in its second consecutive win. Shami scored 38 out of 5 at Eden Gardens and made his 13th five-for in first class when Bengal beat Gujarat by 144 runs.
Shami bowled eight in 28.3 overs. He has moved up to third in the Ranji Trophy record of wicket takers this season with a brilliant 15 wickets at an impressive average of 10.46 out of 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] World Cup was tough and painful,” said Shami 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 can clearly feel there’s still a lot of cricket left in me.”
Mohammed Shami
Shami has complained of not being chosen as the touring of India in England. In the announcement of the West Indies Test team, the chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that the fast bowler had not done enough to be selected in the team.
Since then, there have been a few indirect interactions between the two via the media. Perhaps in this context, Shami was asked if this felt like another comeback, which he quickly dismissed.
“This was not a comeback match for me. If you had said that last year, maybe it would have made sense. But yes, in terms of this match, what we did was a special comeback. We decided to bat for 8-10 overs today, we had already taken three points [first-innings lead]. The situation was tough, but the boys put in their full effort. To turn the game in this manner is rare, especially on this kind of wicket. It’s a great job by the boys.”
Mohammed Shami
Amid speculation that his Ranji form could pave the way for a return to the South Africa Tests, Shami preferred to separate himself from social media talk, stating that his priority is on doing well wherever he plays.
“Yes, I knew this question would come. Controversy follows 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’ll give my best. The rest is up to God. Bengal is my home. Every match I play for Bengal is special.”
Mohammed Shami
Coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla was effusive in his praise for Shami’s discipline, stating that the bowler is totally fit and has good rhythm. Moreover, Shukla underlined the significance of carefully regulating Shami’s workload to ensure his consistency and longevity.
“You all saw how Shami bowled. There’s nothing for me to add. His performance said it all. There’s no question about his commitment. The entire world knows what Mohammed Shami is. He doesn’t need a certificate from anyone, his bowling is the certificate. He’s completely fit,” said Shukla.
“If you compare his run-up and rhythm from when he played for India with now, you won’t find any difference. Even after 500 wickets, he’s in fantastic rhythm. He’s playing with complete calmness now,” he added.
