Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has sent a clear and unambiguous message to the national selectors with his stellar performances for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. Mohammed Shami performed match-winning magic by taking eight wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata to lead Bengal to a spectacular 141-run win over Gujarat in the Ranji match on October 28.
The explosive performance comes at a crucial time for the veteran fast bowler, who has been out of the Indian cricket team since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in March. His absence from the Indian team had led to a war of words between Shami and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Mohammed Shami’s Ranji Trophy heroics have increased the pressure on the Indian selectors
While Agarkar said that the Bengal fast bowler is not fit enough for international cricket, he has been dropped for both the England and Australia tours, Shami questioned that if he is not fit, then why has he been selected and is he able to perform well for his team in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26?
Also read: Shubman Gill issues ultimatum before Australia’s “very important” T20I; Samson, Jaiswal are in line to replace him
But with his recent exploits in India’s premier first-class competition, Shami has given a befitting reply to the BCCI and Agarkar. On the final day of the clash against Gujarat, Shami tore apart the opposition’s batting lineup, taking 5 for 38 in just 10 overs during the second innings.
His relentless pace and control made it almost impossible for Gujarat’s batsmen to survive. Earlier, the Indian fast bowler had taken 3 wickets for 44 runs in the first innings. He helped Bengal bowl out Gujarat for 185 runs while defending a target of 327 runs, as they recorded their second consecutive win of the season.
Mohammed Shami returns to form, dominates Ranji Trophy 2025-26
This is not Shami’s first display of dominance in the current Ranji season. In Bengal’s previous Ranji encounter against Uttarakhand, the veteran bowler had also performed brilliantly with the ball and took match figures of 3/37 and 4/38 to win the Player of the Match award for his match-winning efforts.
Mohammad Shami in Ranji Trophy 2025
14.5-4-37-3 in the first match
24.4-7-38-4 in the first match
18.3-6-44-3 in the second match
10-1-38-5 in the second match15 wickets in just 2 matches – Shami on fire. A big statement before the South Africa Test series. pic.twitter.com/wK4zLb8A3S
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 28 October 2025
With 15 wickets in just two matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Shami is now the third-highest wicket-taker behind Jammu and Kashmir’s Auqib Nabi Dar (17 wickets) and Services’ Arjun Sharma (16 wickets).
Also read: No Shubman Gill! Mitchell Marsh called Abhishek Sharma the best player in the world
Beyond the statistics, what matters most is Shami’s stamina and rhythm. The 35-year-old bowled 39 overs in his first game and 28 overs in his second, showcasing his ability to bowl long spells, which is essential in Test cricket. His body language and pace in the air reflect a fast bowler who has rediscovered his confidence and fitness.
Mohammed Shami’s tremendous form has made him a contender again for the South Africa Test series.
With India’s upcoming Test series against South Africa scheduled to begin on November 14, the Indian selectors will meet soon to finalize the squad and Shami’s name will be difficult to ignore. His consistent performances and wicket-taking form will definitely force the selection committee to reconsider, especially when India is looking for experienced fast bowling options.
Well, Bengal are currently joint second with Haryana in Group C, both with 12 points after two matches. And with Shami leading the bowling attack from the front, Bengal’s Ranji Trophy campaign and possibly their return to India now looks more promising than ever.