'Hard work paying off': Mohammed Shami roars back to form, sends selectors a fiery reminder with Ranji heroics

NEW DELHI: Senior pacer Mohammed Shami on Tuesday reaffirmed his readiness for an India comeback, declaring that his “hard work is paying off” after a stunning performance for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. The veteran fast bowler, who has been sidelined from national duties following ankle surgery, delivered a fiery spell to lead Bengal to a 141-run win over Gujarat at the Eden Gardens — a result that has reignited calls for his recall to the national side.

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“Grateful for the rhythm and hard work paying off. Always proud to represent my team,” Shami wrote on X, sharing photos from the match and the game ball — a subtle yet powerful message to critics and selectors alike.

The 35-year-old pacer was at his vintage best, taking 5 for 38 in Gujarat’s second innings and finishing with eight wickets in the match. His figures marked his 13th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket and cemented his position among the top three wicket-takers in this Ranji season, with 15 wickets at 10.46 from just four innings.


Speaking after the game, Shami said his motivation was simple: to stay fit and perform. “Every person wants to play for the country. So, I am ready for that again. My job is to stay fit and keep performing; the rest is in the selectors’ hands,” he said.

The Eden Gardens win was particularly special — Bengal’s first Ranji victory over Gujarat since 2003 — and Shami’s devastating burst on the final day turned the match decisively. “It’s a relief, mentally and physically. Coming back after such a difficult time and still performing well shows that there’s plenty of cricket left in me,” he said.

Shami, who was not selected for India’s recent white-ball tour of Australia, had been at the centre of a public spat with chief selector Ajit Agarkar over his fitness status. Agarkar claimed Shami wasn’t match-ready; the pacer responded sharply that updating selectors on fitness wasn’t his responsibility. His recent spell, however, seems to have done all the talking.

Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla hailed Shami’s effort, saying, “Mohammed Shami doesn’t need a certificate from anyone. His bowling is the certificate. He’s completely fit and in top rhythm.”

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