Mohammed Shami Makes Comeback in Ranji Trophy

After 360 days, India fast bowler Mohammed Shami made his highly anticipated return to professional cricket on Wednesday, playing for Bengal in their Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh at Holkar Stadium in Indore. This match marks a special milestone for Shami as he will be joined by his younger brother, Mohammed Kaif, in what is their first-ever senior-level appearance together.

Bengal were put into bat after Madhya Pradesh won the toss, and the batting order was quickly under pressure. Bengal were reduced to 220 for 9 before Shami and Kaif teamed up for the final wicket partnership. Shami managed to score 2 off 6 deliveries as Bengal were bowled out for 228.

At 34 years old, Shami is playing his first Ranji Trophy match for Bengal since November 2018, when he played a one-off game against Kerala before heading to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour. Shami had an outstanding series Down Under, taking 16 wickets to help India secure a historic 2-1 victory.

Kaif, a right-arm seamer like Shami, made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bengal in January 2024. The 27-year-old has played eight first-class matches, claiming 22 wickets, and has also taken 12 scalps in nine List A matches. Kaif’s debut came after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during last year’s World Cup, while Shami, after undergoing surgery, had to delay his return due to a recent knee issue.

Although Shami was not part of India’s 18-member squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he remained hopeful of a return to the squad later in the series. With a potential comeback for the second leg in Australia starting November 22, Shami may be in contention for selection if he regains full fitness, aiming to feature in the second Test in Adelaide just nine days later. Additionally, India has a two-day warm-up match against Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI between the Tests, providing Shami with an opportunity to showcase his readiness for the series.