Mohammed Shami injury update: Bengal coach issues statement on Ranji Trophy absence

Mohammed Shami injury update: Bengal coach issues statement on Ranji Trophy absence

Laxmi Ratan Shukla Says Mohammed Shami Is Fit After Bengal Rest Him Against Services

Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla has played down concerns about Mohammed Shami’s fitness, confirming that the fast bowler was rested for Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Services after a demanding spell against Delhi. Shukla said the decision was made at Shami’s request and was intended to manage his workload—not because of an injury or fitness setback.

The clarification comes as Shami’s future with the Indian team remains a topic of debate. Despite strong performances in domestic cricket, the experienced pacer was not included in India’s squad for the tour of New Zealand. His omission has prompted questions about whether selectors believe he is ready to return to international cricket, particularly in the longer format.

Shukla: Shami Asked for Rest After Heavy Workload

Speaking to reporters after the first day of Bengal’s match against Services, Shukla said Shami had bowled extensively in the previous round against Delhi and requested time to recover. Bengal were also without Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, who were away on India A duty, giving the team a chance to assess other bowling options.

“Shami is fit, he was rested. He bowled a lot of overs against Delhi last round. He himself asked to be rested. He is a cheetah. Shami resting also gives us options to try fresh faces,” Shukla said.

The coach’s comments offer a direct response to speculation that Shami’s absence might point to a physical problem. In a demanding first-class season, rest can be an important part of managing a fast bowler’s workload, especially for someone returning to regular competitive cricket after time away from the international stage.

Strong Start to the Ranji Trophy Season

Shami began his 2026–27 Ranji Trophy campaign with a productive performance against Delhi. He took four wickets for 30 runs from 17.3 overs, including nine maidens, helping Bengal secure a winning start to the season. The figures were a reminder of the control and stamina that have made him one of India’s most effective pace bowlers.

After that match, Shami pushed back against questions about his fitness, pointing to his presence on the field and his willingness to keep bowling. His message was straightforward: his performances, rather than speculation, should be the measure of his readiness.

That approach reflects the challenge facing any fast bowler returning to a heavy schedule. Fitness is not only about being able to take the field; it also involves sustaining pace, recovering between spells and building match rhythm. Shami’s workload against Delhi—and the subsequent decision to rest him—can therefore be viewed as part of a careful season-long plan.

Shami’s International Record and Domestic Value

Shami has taken 229 wickets in 64 Test matches and 206 wickets in 108 One-Day Internationals for India. He has not played a Test since the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, while his most recent appearance for the national side came in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

His domestic record has continued to strengthen his case for consideration. Last season, Shami claimed 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches at an average of 16.72. He recorded three five-wicket hauls, with his best innings figures standing at eight for 90. Those numbers underline his value to Bengal and demonstrate why his progress is being followed closely by Indian cricket supporters.

However, selection decisions depend on more than a player’s domestic statistics. The selectors must weigh current form, fitness, workload, team balance and the demands of the upcoming schedule. Shami’s omission from the New Zealand squad has therefore renewed discussion about what he needs to show before a possible India return.

India Selection Debate Continues

The debate has also been shaped by earlier comments from former chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who had raised questions about Shami’s physical condition and match readiness. In May 2026, Agarkar said the selectors had not discussed a Test comeback for the fast bowler.

That history helps explain why each domestic appearance attracts attention. For Shami, consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy could offer the clearest way to demonstrate his readiness. At the same time, Bengal’s decision to rest him after a substantial workload suggests the team is prioritising sustainable participation rather than pushing him through every fixture.

Any prediction about Shami’s international return remains uncertain. His record and recent domestic form make him a compelling candidate, but a comeback will likely depend on continued fitness, match exposure and the selectors’ assessment of India’s requirements. Shukla’s latest update, at least, indicates that Shami’s absence against Services should not be treated as evidence of a new injury.

Shami Remains Involved With Bengal

Although he did not play, Shami stayed with the Bengal squad during the Services match. He was seen speaking at length with the team physiotherapist and had trained on the eve of the fixture. After play, he practised batting against throwdowns near the sight screen and helped carry an ice box onto the ground.

Those details do not replace an official medical assessment, but they show that Shami remained engaged with the team rather than being separated from the squad for treatment. His rest, as described by Shukla, was a workload decision following a demanding outing.

Bengal Take Control After a Dramatic Opening Day

The match itself produced a busy first day at Palam A Ground in New Delhi, where 15 wickets fell. Bengal chose to bat but were dismissed for 184, with captain Abhimanyu Easwaran providing the innings’ top score of 56.

Services struggled in reply and ended the day at 83 for five, still 101 runs behind Bengal’s first-innings total. Pradipta Pramanik and Aamir Gani took two wickets apiece, while Shahbaz Ahmed added one. Bengal’s bowlers therefore gave their side a strong opportunity to build on its opening-round win over Delhi.

Services came into the fixture after losing to Maharashtra, making the match an important chance to respond. With Bengal already ahead on the scoreboard and the pitch producing regular breakthroughs, the second day promised to be crucial. For Shami, meanwhile, the focus remains on recovery and continued domestic form as questions about his India future persist.

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