India’s fierce pace bowler Mohammed Shami is set to return to action in high-profile cricket tournaments after a year’s absence by making a comeback in the ongoing Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 on November 13 (Wednesday).
The 34-year-old cricketer sustained an ankle injury and was forced by the selectors to sideline him from India’s squad. His last appearance includes the ODI World Cup 2023 finals against Australia on November 19 in Ahmedabad. Despite gaining late entry into the playing XI, Shami was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. He grabbed 24 wickets in 7 innings, averaging at 10.70 including three five-wicket hauls in the same edition.
In his recent match against Madhya Pradesh in the Group C fixtures of the Ranji Trophy, Mohammed Shami seemed to be in complete control by delivering balls at a proper line and length. The Madhya Pradesh’s batters in their 1st innings found it difficult to face Shami’s fierce bowling style. His 4-wicket haul on Day 2 grabbed the selectors’ attention as the opponent team’s total was restricted to 167-10 in 59 overs.
Meanwhile, there are discussions that the right-handed medium pacer’s comeback gives a ray of hope to the Indian selectors to include him in Team India’s squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.
Mohammed Shami About His Comeback in Ranji Trophy: A 4-wicket haul vs Madhya Pradesh
After his impressive spell of 4-54 in 19 overs that included 4 maiden overs, Shami expressed his joyful moment by thanking his fans via social media for showing immense love and support:
“Yeah! Finally, I think the wait is over! After a long gap of 360 days, I have been able to make a successful comeback on the field. Now I have been stronger and hungrier than ever before. The 4-wicket haul for Bengal in this Ranji tournament is just the beginning. I dedicate every delivery as well as the wicket to YOU All my beloved fans. Your love and support ignite my enthusiasm for the sport. Let’s succeed in making this Ranji Trophy’s season much more memorable,” Shami posted on his X handle.
Too Tough for Madhya Pradesh Batters to Handle Against Shami’s Pace Attack
Although Mohammed Shami concluded Day 1 as a wicketless bowler, he came back with a strong performance on the next day.
Despite a collapsing start on the opening day, Bengal posted a challenging total of 228-10 in 51.2 overs riding on Shahbaz Ahmed’s 80-ball-92-run knock (including 16 fours and 1 six). However, the first day concluded with Madhya Pradesh’s score of 103-1 at stumps.
A declining performance on Day 2 from 106-1 to 167-10 in 59 overs shows the Bengal bowlers’ domination against the MP batters.
Mainly, these three bowlers complemented Shami’s 4-fer by playing a crucial role for their team in securing a 61-run lead by wrapping up the hosts’ first innings:
- Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal: 2-35 in 14 overs (including 2 maiden overs).
- Mohammed Kaif: 2-41 in 13 overs.
- Rohit Kumar: 1-27 in 12 overs.
Finally, Bengal completed the second day on a successful note with a score of 170-5 at stumps, maintaining a 231-run lead.
Additionally, Shami’s handy contribution to Day 3 with his 36-ball-37 runs (including 2 fours and 2 sixes) batting at the lower order, powered Bengal’s innings to 276-10 in 88.3 overs by taking a lead of 337 runs.
Mohammed Shami’s Chances to Participate in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 vs Australia
Shami sends a resounding announcement to selectors. His stunning comeback in domestic cricket enhanced his chances of participating in the forthcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. However, the pacer’s fitness will be scrutinized before allowing him to compete at international level.
The latest reports reveal that the Doctors from NCA (National Cricket Academy) have shown a positive signal. It means that Shami can travel to Australia ahead of the second test in the BGT.
After undergoing successful knee surgery, his presence will bolster India’s bowling lineup by improving the quality of the pace attack that has been the lacking factor in recent times.
It is a fact to accept that except for Jasprit Bumrah, there hasn’t been much power in the pace bowling unit. As a result, Shami’s inclusion will be a huge asset for India to help extract the best talents from young pacers like Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and the emerging all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Most importantly, the Indian pacer has an appreciable record against Australia. He took 31 wickets in eight test matches, averaging 32.16. It includes his best bowling figures of 6-56 in the second test of the BGT 2018-19.
Conclusive Opinion:
After a successful comeback into competitive cricket, Mohammed Shami’s next target would be securing a spot in the Indian team to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).