Mohammed Shami’s remarkable return to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy has earned him high praise from Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla. After a year-long absence due to an ankle injury, Shami made a stunning comeback on Thursday, showcasing his exceptional bowling skills against Madhya Pradesh.
In his first appearance since last year’s ODI World Cup, Shami bowled with precision and pace, capturing 4 wickets for 54 runs in 19 overs. His impressive performance put Bengal in a commanding position at the Holkar Stadium.
Shukla was particularly impressed by Shami’s ability to return to form after such a long layoff. “Someone has come back after one year and has bowled 19 overs and taken so many wickets… what’s there to say?” Shukla said. “He came into the match without doing any match simulation. Can you imagine? But obviously, if he plays more, he will get better.”
Shami started economically, conceding only 34 runs in his first 10 overs. However, he grew in confidence as the innings progressed, rattling the Madhya Pradesh batting order with his mesmerizing pace. He dismissed key batsmen, including skipper Shubham Sharma, Saransh Jain, Kumar Kartikeya, and Kulwant Khejroliya.
“He bowled one six-over spell and one five-over spell,” Shukla added. “Players who bowl in the IPL don’t even know how to bowl more than four overs. He bowled the sort of spells fast bowlers are expected to. I have never seen a fast bowler come back so strongly after one year away. What he did today is like a fairy tale.”
Shami’s performance has reignited hopes that he could be available for India’s upcoming Test series against Australia. The seasoned speedster missed out on a call for the Border Gavaskar Trophy but has started to make a case for his inclusion if needed.
