Veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has added that Mohammed Shami didn’t look to be in full rhythm in Bengal’s ongoing Ranji Trophy Elite Group C clash against Madhya Pradesh. However, he also stated that the seamer’s return to competitive cricket should help his cause at the upcoming IPL 2025 auction as well.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra’, he said, “Mohammed Shami has made a comeback. Based on the visuals I saw, the same rhythm was not seen. However, he has played after a year. He was playing against MP, and don’t know how the match is progressing, Bengal scored more than 220 in 51 overs and bowled 30 overs on the same day. He has picked up four wickets,” he said.

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“The ball was swinging and coming out nicely from the hand, but the lines were wide, based on the short video clip I could see. Since the auction is on the 24th and 25th, if you don’t play for a year, there is a question mark, people think a little before lifting the paddle, that what if he is not fit. So from that viewpoint, it’s good that he played because now he will get the money that he deserves at the auction,” Chopra again added.

In the same video, Aakash Chopra also stated that Mohammed Shami should potentially be named for the final two Tests against Australia if the selectors get convinced about his fitness as well.

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“We want him back in full swing because if you feel he is fully fit, he is playing the Ranji Trophy in any case, consider him for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He can potentially play the last two matches, the Boxing Day Test match and the New Year’s Test match. Even if that happens, he will be missed in the first three because how much heavy lifting will Jasprit Bumrah do alone? However, this is what it is. India’s bowling attack is looking slightly inexperienced this time and they will miss Mohammed Shami,” Aakash Chopra concluded.