Ranji Trophy / Mohammed Shami Shines in Ranji Trophy with 7 Wickets, Stakes Claim for Team India Return

Pacer Mohammed Shami, who has been out of the Indian team for some time, delivered a spectacular performance in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group-C match against Uttarakhand, while played at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens, Bengal secured a resounding 8-wicket victory, with Shami playing a pivotal role. His lethal bowling, which saw him bag a total of 7 wickets,. Has firmly put him in contention for a comeback to the national squad.

Answering Fitness Concerns

Recently, Team India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar had raised questions about Mohammed Shami's fitness. However, Shami had declared himself fully fit even before the start of the Ranji Trophy season. In this crucial encounter against Uttarakhand, he bowled 39. 3 overs, picking up 3 wickets in the first innings and 4 in the second. This performance unequivocally proves that he's now fully match-fit and capable of bowling long spells effectively.

Match Result and Player of the Match Award

In the first innings, Shami bowled 14. 5 overs, including 4 maidens, conceding just 37 runs while taking 3 wickets, while notably, he snared three crucial wickets within a span of four balls. His performance in the second innings was even more impressive, as he bowled 24. 4 overs, delivering 7 maidens and claiming 4 wickets for only 38 runs. Throughout the match, his economy rate remained below 2, highlighting his disciplined and impactful bowling. He wasn't only economical but also consistently picked up wickets. Regarding the match, Uttarakhand scored 213 in their first innings. In response, Bengal posted 323, taking a 110-run lead. Uttarakhand managed 265 in their second innings, setting Bengal a target of 156 runs for victory. Bengal successfully chased this target in 29. 3 overs, losing just 2 wickets, with Abhimanyu Easwaran scoring an unbeaten 71. Mohammed Shami was deservingly awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his exceptional bowling. This performance will undoubtedly catch the attention of the national selectors.