In a blistering show of experience and accuracy, Mohammed Shami reminded one and all incluading chief selector Ajit Agarkar why he continues to be among India’s best fast bowlers.
Bengal pacer Shami took apart Gujarat’s batting order with a passionate five-wicket stint, leading his side to a comprehensive 141-run triumph in the Ranji Trophy game at Eden Gardens.
Amid talks about Shami’s non-selection for India’s recent assignments, His performance has once again made the selectors sit up and take notice.
Shami’s Fifer Steals The Show In Bengal’s Commanding Win
With the limelight squarely on him, Shami gave a spell that was laced with class, control, and intent. His 5 for 38 in the second innings combined with 3 wickets in the first ensuring Bengal took charge all along. It was not merely about wickets; it was about intent.
Shami bowled with rhythm and zip, showing that his fitness and desire for the game are as strong as ever.
Bengal’s Batters Lay The Foundation At Eden
Bengal set the tone early with a composed first-innings total of 279, anchored by Sudip Gharami (56), Abishek Porel (51), and Sumanta Gupta (63).
The Gujarat bowlers, led by Siddharth Desai’s four-wicket haul, kept things tight, but Bengal’s middle-order resilience ensured they had enough runs to stay ahead in the contest.
Shahbaz Ahmed Spins A Web Around Gujarat
The real damage, however, was done when Shahbaz Ahmed joined the act. The left-arm spinner tore through Gujarat’s lineup with figures of 6 for 34, leaving the visitors in complete disarray. Shami’s early breakthroughs and Shahbaz’s relentless spin assault meant Gujarat could muster only 167 in reply, handing Bengal a crucial lead.
Captain Easwaran’s Declaration Sets Up A Final Push
In the second innings, skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran declared at 214 for 8, setting a stiff target of 327. The move paid off perfectly. Bengal’s top order especially Anustup Majumdar (58) and Sudip Gharami (54) added vital runs that gave Shami and his bowling unit enough cushion to attack freely on the final day.
Shami’s Fire And Urvil Patel’s Fightback
Gujarat opener Urvil Patel gave the visitors hope with a gritty 109, receiving fleeting support from Jaymeet Patel (45). But just when Gujarat looked settled, Shami came back with vengeance. His incisive movement and shrewd variations shattered the stand, and thereon, it was one-way traffic. Gujarat folded for 185, as Bengal basked in a comprehensive victory.
A Message To The Selectors Loud And Clear
For a player who has often let his performances do the talking, Shami’s spell was more than just numbers it was a statement.
Shami’s control, stamina, and wicket-taking instincts showed why he still deserves a place in India’s pace arsenal. At 35, the veteran continues to outthink and outbowl many younger counterparts.
Will BCCI Take Note Of Shami’s Resurgence?
The big question now looms will this performance force the selectors to reconsider? With India set for a packed schedule ahead, including red-ball fixtures that demand experience and skill, Shami’s form couldn’t have come at a better time.
For now, Bengal rejoices in a dominant win. But beyond Eden Gardens, this fifer might just echo all the way to the BCCI selection room.
