Mohammed Shami sighted with Indian selector, sends brutal DM to Ajit Agarkar

The 35-year-old pacer looked in stunning form, as even Bengal Ranji Coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla backed Mohammed Shami's inclusion in the Indian national team. Shami picked 15 wickets in 2 Ranji games this season and proved his fitness to the National selector, Ajit Agarkar.

The Indian National Cricket Team has snubbed Mohammed Shami of chances in the recent past across the different formats of the game. Shami last played in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

Ajit Agarkar has been clear on his stance that Shami was not considered for the tour to England and the recent tour to Australia due to a lack of fitness and game time. However, the bowler attacked him, refusing such claims.

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Mohammed Shami drives Bengal to victory on an unresponsive track

Ever since Mohammed Shami, the veteran Indian pacer, was said to have lacked form and fitness by the Indian selector Ajit Agarkar, he has made a stupendous comeback to red-ball cricket in the Ranji Trophy.

On Tuesday, he guided Bengal to a mammoth 141-run win over Gujarat with a 5-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy. Shami kicked off the Ranji Trophy campaign against Uttarakhand and ended up with 7 wickets in that entire match and earning the Man of the Match award.

This time around as well, Shami's startling spell of 8/82 in the game served as a reminder for the national selectors, who can no longer be unresponsive to the veteran pacer. Shami's experience came in use for Bengal as he picked 4 wickets in his third spell on an unresponsive track.

Mohammed Shami is ready for a Team India comeback

Though it can be argued that Shami has not yet bowled in front of strong batting units like Maharashtra, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, or Andhra Pradesh, his 15 wickets came on slow and extremely flat tracks for bowlers. This proves that Shami still has the shine within him, despite the ankle and knee injuries throughout his career.

Even former Indian selector Chetan Sharma looked impressed by Shami's show at the Eden Gardens. He said, “The way Shami executed the reverse swing was great to watch.” Shami is known to have a lethal reverse-swing among all active pacers in the World.

“Also, if his fitness was an issue, he just would not have been able to bowl so many overs in these two matches and pick up wickets,” Sharma added. Mohammed Shami will be playing his next game for Bengal against Tripura.

“This is our job, which is to make use of all the opportunities at our disposal. Rest depends on luck. As for playing for the country, everyone wants to... I too am ready,” Shami said later, confirming he is ready for a comeback.

"Now my rhythm is back to where it was before. I can clearly feel there's still a lot of cricket left in me," added Shami.

Shami was seen chilling with the new Indian selector, RP Singh, after his recent Ranji Trophy showdown vs Gujarat. This could mean a career revival for Team India as far as Shami's future is concerned. He has openly said that he wants to play and win the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.

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Bengal Ranji coach backs Mohammed Shami against Ajit Agarkar

After Shami's standout performance for Bengal in the two games, Bengal coach and former KKR star, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, took a sly dig at the Indian selectors: "Ab toh le lo... (At least select him now)."

Mohammed Shami's return to form has come ahead of India's home series against South Africa, and the Tests will be initiated with the first game at the Eden Gardens. Shami is undoubtedly the most experienced fast bowler in the Indian team on this ground.

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