Mohammed Shami is missing from Bengal’s playing XI for their second-round Ranji Trophy 2026–27 Elite Group C match against Services at Palam A Ground in New Delhi. The fast bowler was seen walking gingerly before the toss after spending time with the team physio, raising concerns about his fitness.
Shami has also been left out of India’s squads for the upcoming Test and ODI series against New Zealand, with the selectors opting for other pace-bowling options. Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to the T20I setup for the five-match series against New Zealand, with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable.
Mohammed Shami OUT, Bengal Make Changes to Playing XI Against Services
Bengal’s management and medical staff rested Mohammed Shami as a precaution after he bowled more than 35 overs against Delhi in the previous match. The decision comes as the 36-year-old continues his comeback from injuries, with the team taking care not to overwork him.
Shami reportedly worked with the team physio before the toss to assess his movement. He later took part in a light workout and faced a few throwdowns during Bengal’s preparations.
Mohammad Shami not in the Bengal XI this round against Servics. Was walking gingerly around the field before the toss after a session with the physio. #RanjiTrophy https://t.co/m2LPsk3OE1
— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) October 18, 2026
Bengal are also without Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep, who are with the India A squad for the New Zealand series. In Shami’s absence, his younger brother Mohammed Kaif and pacer Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal have joined the attack, while all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed returns to the playing XI.
Bengal’s playing XI features Abhimanyu Easwaran (c), Ankur Paul, Sudip Kumar Gharami, Sudip Chatterjee, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sumanta Gupta, Abishek Porel (wk), Pradipta Pramanik, Aamir Gani, Mohammed Kaif and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal.
Mohammed Shami's India Snub and Comeback Hopes
Mohammed Shami’s omission from India’s upcoming Test and ODI squads for the New Zealand series has raised further questions about his international comeback. The 36-year-old last played for India in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025.
India have instead selected a mix of experienced bowlers and younger options for the tour. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will lead the Test pace attack, with Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj also included. The ODI squad features Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh among its pace options.
Mohammed Shami's Domestic Form Keeps Comeback Hopes Alive
Mohammed Shami made an impressive start to the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy season against Delhi in Kalyani. He took four wickets for 30 runs in 17.3 overs, including nine maidens, as Bengal bowled Delhi out for 240. He also claimed a wicket in the second innings, finishing the match with five wickets.
Shami also impressed in the previous Ranji Trophy season, taking 37 wickets in seven matches at an average of 16.72. He recorded three five-wicket hauls, underlining his value in red-ball cricket. His latest performance strengthened his case for an India recall, although the selectors have opted to leave him out of the New Zealand squads.
Bengal began their campaign with a nine-wicket win over Delhi, with Abhishek Porel and Sudip Gharami scoring centuries. However, they missed out on all seven bonus points.
Bengal reached 56/1 in 18.4 overs on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy match against Services. Abhimanyu Easwaran was unbeaten on 22 off 54 balls, while Sudip Kumar Gharami scored 26 off 45 deliveries. Arjun Sharma picked up the only wicket, dismissing Ankur Paul for four in the fourth over.
