Shami makes fiery comeback at Ranji with 4 wickets against MP

In a thrilling Ranji Trophy return, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami made an emphatic statement on Thursday, picking up four wickets to help Bengal secure a first-innings lead over Madhya Pradesh. The 34-year-old, appearing in his first Ranji match since 2018, showed the class and skill that has defined his international career. Playing at Holkar Stadium, Shami’s figures of 4-54 in 19 overs underscored his dominance, setting the stage for Bengal to build momentum in their campaign.

After going wicketless on Day 1, Shami came back with a purpose on Day 2, dismissing MP captain Shubham Sharma for just eight runs with a brilliant delivery that shattered the stumps. Known for his ability to make breakthroughs in crucial moments, Shami’s spell continued to dismantle MP’s batting lineup, as he took down Saransh Jain and followed up with back-to-back wickets, dismissing Kumar Kartikeya and Khulwant Khejroliya in quick succession. This impressive display left Madhya Pradesh struggling, as Shami’s relentless attack carved a 61-run first-innings lead for Bengal.

Despite not bowling at his highest speed, Shami’s control and precision troubled MP’s batsmen throughout. He was especially effective against key batter Rajat Patidar, repeatedly beating the edge and forcing errors. His performance was further amplified by the rare sight of bowling alongside his younger brother, Mohammed Kaif, making it a memorable match for both siblings.

Shami’s last Ranji appearance was a one-off in November 2018 against Kerala, shortly before he played a crucial role in India’s historic 2-1 Test series win in Australia. His 16-wicket haul in the Border-Gavaskar series that year remains a highlight of his career, and this recent Ranji performance could earn him a spot in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth.

With the IPL auction approaching, Shami’s show-stopping performance is a reminder to franchise teams of his value as a seasoned campaigner capable of handling high-stakes situations. His return to form at the domestic level is likely to keep him on the radar of IPL teams looking for an experienced pace bowler to lead their attack.