Mohammed Shami served a timely reminder of his fitness on Tuesday with a match-winning spell that secured Bengal’s second consecutive victory in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. Shami produced figures of 5 for 38 at Eden Gardens, picking his 13th first-class five-for as Bengal defeated Gujarat by 144 runs.
Across the match, Shami claimed eight wickets from 28.3 overs. He now sits third on the Ranji Trophy wicket-takers’ 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] 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,” he added.
Shami has been candid about his disappointment at missing out on India’s 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 considered.
Since then, there have been a few indirect exchanges between the two through the media. It is perhaps in this context that Shami was asked whether 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, 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,” said Shami.
Amid speculation that his Ranji form could pave the way for a return in the South Africa Tests, Shami chose to distance himself from social media chatter, reiterating that his focus remains on performing at his best 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,” said Shami.
Coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla was effusive in his praise for Shami’s discipline, emphasising that the pacer is fully fit and in excellent rhythm. At the same time, Shukla stressed the importance of managing Shami’s workload carefully.
"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.
