The selectors are ignoring Mohammad Shami for a while but the pacer has left no stone unturned to strengthen his case. After picking up 20 wickets in 4 Ranji Trophy matches, Shami is set to represent Bengal in the upcoming edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. The Cricket Association of Bengal on Friday announced a 17-man squad featuring the 35-year-old.
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Despite BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressing fitness concerns, Mohammed Shami has been actively proving his form and resilience in domestic cricket. The veteran pacer has featured in four of Bengal’s first five Ranji Trophy games this season, claiming an impressive 20 wickets at a strike rate of 43.
His consistent presence
has not only strengthened Bengal’s attack but also boosted the team’s confidence, helping them climb to the top of Group C. Shami’s performances underline his enduring value and readiness, showing that he remains far from done at the highest level.
On Thursday, Shami returned a 5-wicket match haul against Assam. After the game, he opened up on his comeback chances.
“Playing cricket is what I can do; selection isn’t in my hands. I can’t keep thinking about why I am not being selected for India,” Shami was quoted as saying by RevSportz.
Recently traded from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹10 crore, Shami is eager to reunite with former India bowling coach and current LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun — a partnership that defined some of Shami’s best years with the national side.
“I am looking forward to working with him (Arun) again,” said Shami. “We share a great relationship. We have been successful together in the past, and hopefully we will achieve similar success for the Lucknow Super Giants.”
