Shami Returns Strong to Lead Bengal Pace Attack in Ranji Trophy Opener

Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is set to spearhead Bengal’s campaign in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, marking his return to domestic cricket for the season’s opening phase, as confirmed by the Cricket Association of Bengal on Friday. Shami, absent from India’s Test squad against the West Indies due to limited recent match time, will join forces with Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Ishan Porel in a formidable pace battery for Bengal’s first match against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on October 15. The inclusion signals Shami’s intent to regain red-ball rhythm ahead of India’s high-stakes South Africa Test series starting November 14.

Shami, 35, last played first-class cricket in the Duleep Trophy for East Zone, bowling 34 overs but managing just one wicket. His absence from competitive cricket since the IPL 2025 and the Champions Trophy in March—where he was a standout performer with 14 wickets—prompted chief selector Ajit Agarkar to prioritise players with recent game time for the ongoing West Indies series. Shami’s return to Bengal, where he has taken 192 wickets in 49 Ranji matches, is a boost for the team, which aims to improve on last season’s quarterfinal finish in Group C alongside Assam, Services, Tripura, Railways, Haryana, and Gujarat.

Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, both eyeing national recalls, add depth to the squad. Akash, who claimed a ten-wicket haul during India’s England tour earlier this year, has recovered from a back injury that sidelined him for the Duleep Trophy. Cleared by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, he aims to cement his case for South Africa. Mukesh, who took three wickets in his sole India A outing in England, also overcame a hamstring scare and passed fitness tests. Their performances could prove pivotal as Bengal seeks early momentum in a competitive group, with the top four advancing to the knockouts.

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Bengal’s pace-heavy strategy aligns with Eden Gardens’ lively pitches, which have historically favoured seamers. Shami, with a Test average of 27.71 and 229 wickets, brings unmatched experience, having last played Ranji in 2023-24. As domestic cricket intensifies, his leadership in the bowling unit could set the tone for Bengal’s title aspirations while offering a platform for Akash and Mukesh to press for national selection. With the South Africa tour looming, all eyes will be on this trio to deliver in a crucial season opener.

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