Mohammed Shami fires back at Indian selectors with Ranji Trophy 2025-26 masterclass for Bengal

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has sent a loud and clear message to the national selectors with a stunning performance for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. Mohammed Shami produced a match-winning spell at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, taking eight wickets to lead Bengal to a commanding 141-run victory over Gujarat in a Ranji clash on October 28.

This fiery performance comes at a crucial time for the experienced fast bowler, who has been out of the Indian cricket team since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in March. His absence from the India squads had sparked a war of words between Shami and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Mohammed Shami’s Ranji Trophy heroics turn up the heat on Indian selectors

While Agarkar cited that the Bengal pacer is not fit enough for international cricket, having been dropped for both the England and Australia tours, Shami questioned if he is not fit, then why is he selected and able to deliver for his side in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26?

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But with his recent exploits in India’s premier first-class competition, Shami has delivered the perfect response to the BCCI and Agarkar. On the final day of the clash against Gujarat, Shami ripped through the opposition’s batting lineup, finishing with 5 for 38 in just 10 overs during the second innings.

His relentless pace and control made it nearly impossible for the Gujarat batters to survive. Earlier, the Indian fast bowler had taken 3 for 44 in the first innings. He helped Bengal bowl Gujarat out for 185 while defending a target of 327, as they registered their second consecutive win of the season.

Mohammed Shami back in form, dominates Ranji Trophy 2025-26

This isn’t Shami’s first show of dominance in the ongoing Ranji season. In Bengal’s previous Ranji clash against Uttarakhand, the veteran bowler had also starred with the ball, returning match figures of 3/37 and 4/38 to win the Player of the Match award for his match-winning efforts.

🚨 MOHAMMED SHAMI IN RANJI TROPHY 2025 🚨

14.5-4-37-3 in First match
24.4-7-38-4 in First match
18.3-6-44-3 in Second match
10-1-38-5 in Second match

15 WICKETS IN JUST 2 GAMES - SHAMI ON FIRE. 🥶 A Big Statement ahead of South Africa Test series. pic.twitter.com/wK4zLb8A3S

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 28, 2025

With 15 wickets in just two matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Shami is now the third-leading wicket-taker, only behind Jammu and Kashmir’s Auqib Nabi Dar (17 wickets) and Services’ Arjun Sharma (16 wickets).

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Beyond the numbers, what stands out most is Shami’s stamina and rhythm. The 35-year-old bowled 39 overs in his first game and 28 in the second game, which showed his ability to deliver long spells, which is a must in Test cricket. His body language and sharp movement through the air reflect a pacer who has rediscovered his confidence and fitness.

Mohammed Shami’s fiery form puts him back in contention for South Africa Test series

With India’s upcoming Test series against South Africa set to begin on November 14, the Indian selectors will soon meet to finalize the squad, and Shami’s name will be hard to ignore. His consistent performances and wicket-taking form will certainly force the selection committee to rethink, especially with India looking for experienced fast-bowling options.

Well, Bengal is currently joint-second in Group C alongside Haryana, both with 12 points after two matches. And with Shami leading their bowling attack from the front, Bengal’s Ranji Trophy campaign and possibly his India comeback now look more promising than ever.