Mohammed Shami’s Fitness: Mohammed Shami was ruled out of the Ranji Trophy match against Services. Amidst growing questions, the team coach has made a significant statement.
Mohammed Shami is fully fit, says Bengal team head coach Laxmi Ratna Shukla. Shami took five wickets against Delhi in the first match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. Therefore, his omission from the playing eleven for the match against Services was a surprising decision. However, Laxmi Ratna Shukla has clarified that Shami was rested for this match.
On the other hand, the demand for Mohammed Shami’s return to Team India is gaining momentum. While he is currently out of the Indian team, his omission from Bengal’s playing eleven raises serious questions. Speaking of the match, Bengal were bowled out for just 184 on the first day. Services, meanwhile, lost five wickets for 83 at the end of the first day’s play. Bengal are in a good position even without Shami.
Shami is completely fit
Speaking to the media after the first day’s play, coach Laxmi Ratna Shukla said, “Shami is fit and was given rest. He bowled a lot of overs against Delhi in the last round. He himself asked for rest. He is a cheetah. Shami’s rest also gave us an opportunity to give new faces a chance.”
Mohammed Shami bowled 17.3 overs in the first innings of the match against Delhi. He bowled 18 overs in the second innings. In the entire match, Shami bowled 35.3 overs and took 5 wickets. Bengal won that match comfortably by 9 wickets.
He himself has given the answer on fitness
When Ajit Agarkar was the chief selector, it was said that Mohammed Shami was unable to return to Team India due to his lack of fitness. However, after the Ranji Trophy match against Delhi in 2026-27, Shami himself stated that he was fully fit.
Shami said, “You all can see my fitness. Everyone is watching me. I am going out to play on the field, I am able to play wherever I want. My job is just to keep bowling.”
