Mohammad Shami, ace pacer, made his cricketing comeback after a year as he played for Bengal in their recent Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Madhya Pradesh in Indore.
Due to an Achilles tendon injury that needed surgery earlier this year, Shami has been out of action since India's devastating 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in November.
The 34-year-old bowler did not make the squad for the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 after suffering another setback that delayed his return to action for the Test series against New Zealand.
However, despite delays, Mohammad Shami made his return to competitive cricket for Bengal in their group-stage match of the Ranji Trophy against Madhya Pradesh being played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
On Day 1 of the match in Indore, Madhya Pradesh chose to bowl first and finished the day at 103/1 after dismissing Bengal for 228 in their opening innings. On November 13, however, the veteran pacer Mohammed Shami lost all of his wickets on the opening day of play against Madhya Pradesh.
Mohammad Shami displayed his abilities on a vibrant green field at Holkar Stadium, giving up 34 runs in a single maiden over during a spectacular stretch of 10 overs. In his second spell, he bowled six more overs and gave 18 runs with one more maiden over.
However, Mohammad Shami returned on day 2 with new vigor and helped Bengal fold MP for just 167 runs. Shami bowled full throttle and began with the wicket of Madhya Pradesh captain Shubham Sharma for just eight runs.
Shami was then brought back to demolish the lower order and he sent back Saransh Jain and then in two consecutive balls, removed Kumar Kartikeya and Kulwant Khejroliya.
Mohammad Shami finished with figures of 4/54 in 19 overs. This is notably his first Ranji Trophy match for Bengal since November 2018.
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Shami's form and fitness in the current Ranji Trophy 2024–25 are reportedly being closely monitored by the Indian selectors and the BCCI, as a strong showing could bolster his chances of being included in India's team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 in Australia.
