Bengal’s star pacer Mohammed Shami produced a sensational performance to guide his team to a dominant 141-run victory over Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy at Eden Gardens. Shami, who has been sidelined from national selection in recent months, made a strong statement with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 38 runs and finishing the match with 8 wickets in total.
Shami Proves His Worth in Style
Despite being overlooked for the recent Australia white-ball tour, Shami reminded everyone of his class and fitness. His coach, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, was full of admiration for the veteran pacer, praising his unmatched value to Bengal and Indian cricket.
“Mohammed Shami doesn’t need a certificate from anyone. He is a certificate in himself. He has the backing of his fans, media, and the biggest selector of them all — God,” Shukla told The Indian Express after Bengal’s win.
With this performance, Shami helped Bengal secure their second consecutive Ranji Trophy victory, having earlier beaten Uttarakhand. The team now looks confident and well-balanced in the domestic circuit.
Shami Opens Up on Comeback, Motivation, and Fitness
Speaking to reporters after the match, Shami reflected on his journey back from injury, sharing how hard he worked to regain full fitness and rhythm.
“It’s a relief (to make a comeback). Mentally and physically, it feels very good because you are coming back from such a difficult time (injury) and you stay on the ground after that,” Shami said.
The Bengal pacer explained that his focus remains on staying fit and ready whenever India needs him.
“My motivation is to stay fit and be available for the Indian team at all times. In the ground, I will continue to perform and the rest is on the selectors’ hands,” he added.
Having already picked 15 wickets from two Ranji matches this season, Shami has shown he still has plenty of cricket left in him. His consistency, experience, and passion make a strong case for his return to the Indian national team in the near future.
