Mohammad Shami Returns to Competitive Cricket After 360 Days, Fails to Take Wicket Against Bengal in Ranji Trophy
Experienced Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami made his comeback to competitive cricket after 360 days but failed to take a wicket in his 10-over spell against Bengal in the Ranji Trophy Group C match. Shami, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury that required surgery after the 2023 World Cup final, was hoping to make a strong return. However, despite the pitch at Holkar Stadium being favorable for fast bowlers, Shami could not claim a wicket as Bengal was bowled out for 228 runs on the opening day.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh finished the first day strongly, reaching 103/1 by stumps, needing just 125 more runs to take control of the match. With Bengal in a do-or-die situation to stay in the quarterfinal race, they are heavily relying on Shami to regain his rhythm and make a significant impact.
The absence of key Bengal bowlers, such as Ishaan Porel and Rishav Vivek (due to injury), and Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep (on national duty), made the task harder for Bengal. This situation put extra pressure on Shami, who is expected to prove his fitness and return to form quickly to help his team get back on track.
In his 10 overs, Shami gave away 34 runs and bowled one maiden, but his spell was not as lethal as expected. His first spell, spanning four overs, was expensive, conceding 16 runs and three boundaries. However, he improved in his second spell, keeping things tighter with a maiden and just 18 runs in six overs.
Shami’s performance was closely monitored by the BCCI and Indian team officials, as a strong showing in domestic cricket could earn him a place in the Border-Gavaskar Test Series that begins on November 22 in Perth.
In an emotional moment, Shami also played alongside his younger brother, Mohammad Kaif, for the first time in a Ranji Trophy match. Kaif took the only wicket for Madhya Pradesh in Bengal’s innings, dismissing Himanshu Manti for 13 runs. Madhya Pradesh’s openers, Shubhranshu Senapati and Rajat Patidar, were solid at the crease, with Senapati scoring 44 runs off 103 balls and Patidar contributing 41 runs off 55 balls.
