Bengal and India pacer Mohammad Shami has given an apt reply to all his critics as he starred with the ball in his team’s Ranji Trophy 2026-27 opener against Delhi. The game, which is being played at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground, Kalyani, saw Bengal win the toss and choose to bowl first.

Hrithik Shokeen top-scored with 56, while Ayush Doseja made 45. There were contributions from Sarthak Ranjan (33) and Divij Mehra (24) as Delhi made 240 runs in their first innings. Mohammad Shami was the star bowler for Bengal with 4/30, while Aamir Gani took 3/45.

Shami talked about his performance and stated that he did not feel any difference in his ‘inbuilt skill.’ He further stated that he doesn’t care about what other people thought.

“You should have the smartness to know when to make the ball move in and out. I don’t feel any change (about my performance). People express their opinions, such as that I don’t have the rhythm and fitness. I don’t care about all this, and I enjoy my game,” said Shami, as quoted by Sportstar.

While discussing his fitness, Shami sidestepped a question on whether he had spoken to the national selectors.

“You people (reporters) can see and write. I am inside the ground and am playing,” said Shami.

On Bengal’s ongoing match, Shami reiterated his demand that the home team should get a favorable track instead of a slow one.

“We wanted a helpful pitch. No other team has such a fast-bowling attack in India. We have requested many times. I don’t think there is a response. It was humid. You have to work smartly. When you don’t get help from the pitch, I don’t think there’s any smartness in putting in long spells and finishing one’s energy. I had planned for everyone,” said Shami.