support@headlinenews360.com
Mohammed Shami kicked off his Ranji Trophy campaign in style, claiming three wickets in a single over to help Bengal dismiss Uttarakhand for 213 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on the opening day of the new domestic season.
The 35-year-old seamer finished with figures of 14.5-4-37-3.
Shami last featured for India during the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025 and has since watched from the sidelines as the team toured England, lifted the Asia Cup T20I title, and swept the West Indies 2-0 at home. His omission from the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia prompted a pointed response from the fast bowler.
“Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal,” Shami said on Tuesday. “If I can play four-day cricket, I can also play 50-overs cricket. I don’t think I need to say more or create a controversy.”
Shami, who has featured in only nine international matches since returning from ankle and knee injuries, continues to make his case through domestic cricket. India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier explained that the pacer’s absence from the Test setup — his last appearance came in June 2023 — was due to his limited red-ball game time in recent years. “As a performer, we know what he can do,” Agarkar said, “but he will need to play some cricket.”
Published on Oct 15, 2025
