Mohammad Shami has been included in Bengal's list of 50 probables, raising hopes for his return to competitive cricket. Akash Deep and Abhimanyu Easwaran are also included in the list. Depending on his fitness, Shami could play in the Duleep Trophy starting August 28.
Mo.Shami: Hopes for Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami's return to competitive cricket have been reignited. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has released a list of 50 probables for the upcoming domestic season, which includes Shami's name. This news has created a buzz in the cricket world, as Shami has been out of Team India for several months due to injury and fitness problems.
He has not played in any competitive match since IPL 2025. But now, with his name appearing in the list of probables, it is expected that he may soon return to the field.
Shami's Path to Return: From Injury to the List
Mohammad Shami has been struggling with an ankle injury for the past few months. He last played for India in the Champions Trophy in March 2025, where he took 9 wickets in 5 matches. Since then, he has been away from the field and busy with his rehabilitation program. In IPL 2025, he played a few matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but his performance was not impressive. Now, after being named in Bengal's probable list, his hopes of returning to domestic cricket have been rekindled. If all goes well, Shami's competitive return could begin with the Duleep Trophy starting on August 28, where he could play for East Zone.
CAB's Focus on Fitness
However, the inclusion of his name in the list does not mean that Shami will play immediately. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is currently focused on Shami's fitness report. If his physio and trainer give the green light, he may get a chance to start with practice matches. A CAB official said, "It is a matter of joy for us to have an experienced player like Shami's name on the list. But the final selection will be based on his fitness report."
Akash Deep and Easwaran Also in the List
Along with Shami, there are two more big names on whom eyes are set – Akash Deep and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Both players are currently with the Indian Test team on the England tour and are performing well. It is a matter of pride for Bengal that these players, even after making it to the national team, are connected to the domestic team. Speaking of Easwaran, he is considered a technically sound opening batsman and his record in the Ranji Trophy has also been excellent. On the other hand, Akash Deep is constantly impressing with his pace and swing.
Planning a Balanced Squad
Bengal's list shows a tremendous mix of experience and youth. Where on one hand there are experienced names like Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Anustup Majumdar, on the other hand, young stars like Abishek Porel, Sayan Ghosh, and Yudhajit Guha are also making their presence felt. The Bengal Cricket Association wants the team to perform bly in all formats in the upcoming domestic season. Especially, there will be an effort to win trophies in tournaments like Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
List of 50 Probable Players: Some Important Names
- Experienced Players: Mohammad Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Anustup Majumdar
- National Team Players: Akash Deep, Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Young Talents: Abishek Porel, Kazi Junaid, Sayan Ghosh, Yudhajit Guha
- Spinners: Pradipta Pramanik, Aamir Gani
- Fast Bowlers: Ishan Porel, Vikash Singh (Jr), Rishabh Choudhary
Duleep Trophy Could Be a Comeback Stage
The Duleep Trophy, starting from August 28, could be a 'comeback tournament' for Shami. This tournament will not only test his fitness, but will also give him a chance to prove himself again in the eyes of the selectors. If he performs well on this stage, his return to Team India for India's next home series or foreign tours can be considered certain.
