Mohammed Shami made his long-awaited return to competitive cricket on Wednesday, November 13, marking his first appearance since India’s ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia. Donning the Bengal jersey, Shami took the field for their Group C (Elite) Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh at Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium.
Expectations were high as Mohammed Shami returned to the domestic circuit, especially after Bengal was bowled out for a modest 228 in their first innings. Shami’s opening spell spanned four overs, during which he gave away 16 runs. Later in the day, he returned to the crease, delivering six additional overs and conceding only 18 runs, including a maiden.
Though he hasn’t been included in India’s squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, a strong performance in the Ranji Trophy could make a compelling case for his inclusion, especially with his wealth of experience and skill in Australian conditions.
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At 34, Mohammed Shami remains one of India’s most seasoned pacers, with a particular knack for red-ball cricket. In Australia, he has played eight Test matches, claiming 31 wickets at an average of 32.16, and notching up two five-wicket hauls—proving his ability to exploit pace-friendly conditions. Overall, Shami has 229 wickets from 64 Tests for India, with a commendable average of 27.71 and six five-wicket hauls in his career.
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Mohammed Shami’s last Test appearance was in the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023, where his experience was pivotal. As he eyes a potential return to India’s Test line-up, his performance in domestic cricket may very well shape his path back to international red-ball action.
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India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed
