Udaipur, Oct 29, 2025: Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who wants to return to the Indian team, is making headlines in the Ranji Trophy. He is in great form these days. Playing for Bengal, Shami took 8 wickets in two innings against Gujarat at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, playing a key role in his team’s win.

Shami’s Ranji Trophy Break

Shami bowled brilliantly, taking 3 wickets in the first innings and 5 wickets in the second. His performance helped Bengal beat Gujarat by 141 runs and secure their second straight win. Earlier, Shami had won the Man of the Match award for taking 7 wickets in the match against Uttarakhand.

The 35-year-old last played for India in the Champions Trophy. Since then, he has not been selected for the national team in any format. There are reports that he was left out due to fitness issues. Shami recently criticized the selectors and team management for not picking him in the limited-overs series against Australia.

Fit Only for Ranji Trophy?

Is Mohammed Shami’s fitness good enough only for Ranji Trophy matches but not for ODIs? Many questions are being raised about the selectors. Fans believe that Shami deserves a place in the Indian team based on his Ranji Trophy performance. He has also sent a strong message to the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee by taking 15 wickets in two matches.

The Indian team will play two Test matches against South Africa starting November 14. The first Test will be held at Eden Gardens, while the second will take place in Guwahati from November 22. The squad for the series will be announced soon. It remains to be seen whether Shami, who displayed good form at Eden Gardens, will be selected for the South Africa Tests.

Shami’s Impressive Cricket Career

Mohammed Shami has played 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is. He has taken 229 wickets in Tests at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls. His best bowling figure is 6 for 56.

In ODIs, he has taken 206 wickets, and in T20Is, 27 wickets at an average of 24. Shami also had an outstanding run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets in seven matches for just 257 runs — finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker.