Although Indian cricket team's fast bowler Mohammed Shami is currently not part of Team India, he has surprised everyone with his recent performance. Shami, upon returning to the field, is bowling with such sharpness that it has become difficult for opposing batsmen to stay at the crease.
Sports News: Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is once again in the limelight. His recent performance in the Ranji Trophy 2025 has astonished the cricket world. Despite being out of Team India, Shami has performed so well in domestic cricket that it will now be difficult for selectors to ignore him.
Playing for Bengal, Shami has taken 15 wickets in two matches, proving that his pace, swing, and line-and-length still possess the same sharpness. His performance not only strengthens Team India's bench strength but also demonstrates how age and experience can be utilized effectively.
Shami's Devastation in Ranji Trophy – 15 Wickets in Two Matches
In his very first Ranji Trophy match, Mohammed Shami broke the back of the opposition team. In the first innings, he took 3 wickets for 37 runs, while in the second innings, he bagged 4 wickets for 38 runs. Thus, he claimed a total of 7 wickets in a single match. His rhythm continued in the second encounter as well. This time, Shami took three wickets in the first innings and completed a total of 8 wickets by snatching 5 wickets in the second innings.
Across four innings in two matches, Shami's wicket tally stood at 15 for 230 — considered an impressive performance for any fast bowler. The most significant aspect of his bowling was his excellent use of both conventional swing with the new ball and reverse swing with the old ball.
Out of Team India, but Shami Maintains Fitness and Form
Mohammed Shami has been out of Team India for the past few months. Recently, when the Test series between India and West Indies was played, it was expected that Shami would make a comeback, but the selectors did not include him in the squad. Many experts believed that Shami was not fully fit, but his performance in the Ranji Trophy completely dismisses this notion.
He consistently bowled at speeds exceeding 140 km/h and accurately utilized every weapon, from bouncers to inswinging yorkers. Now, the question arises: if Shami is so fit and effective, why hasn't he been given an opportunity in the national team?
Increased Pressure on Selectors, Challenge for Ajit Agarkar
The selection process will no longer be easy for chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his team. In the coming month, when the two-match Test series between India and South Africa is played, it will be interesting to see if Shami is given an opportunity. The first Test of the series is scheduled to begin on November 14, 2025, and team selection is likely by next week.
Given Shami's current form, the selectors now have no solid reason left to ignore him. Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle wrote on social media, "What Shami has performed is not just a game of statistics. He has shown how a senior bowler can maintain his fitness and competitive spirit at the domestic level."
