Mohammed Shami Shines with Late Burst as Bengal Faces Early Setback in Ranji Trophy
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Mohammed Shami, the seasoned Indian pacer, made a remarkable return to the Ranji Trophy, claiming three wickets in just four balls to help Bengal bowl out Uttarakhand for 213 on the opening day of their Elite Group C match at Eden Gardens. This performance not only showcased Shami’s enduring talent but also highlighted the challenges faced by Bengal as they began their innings.
A Vintage Performance from Shami
Shami, who had been sidelined from the national team following leg surgery in 2024, demonstrated flashes of his former self during a crucial late spell. After a frustrating start to the day, where he bowled 14 overs without taking a wicket, Shami was brought back into the attack by Bengal’s captain, Abhimanyu Easwaran. Under the fading light and with the ball beginning to reverse swing, Shami seized the moment.
His first victim was Janmejay Joshi, who fell to a sharp in-swinger that crashed into the stumps. Almost immediately, Shami found Rajan Kumar’s outside edge, sending the ball into the hands of the slip cordon. Just shy of a hat-trick, he then bowled Devendra Singh Bora with a full delivery that showcased his ability to generate movement off the pitch. Shami’s final figures of 3 for 37 from 14.5 overs were instrumental in wrapping up Uttarakhand’s innings in the 73rd over, just as their lower order began to frustrate the Bengal bowlers.
A Critical Moment for Shami
This performance comes at a pivotal time for Shami, who has been absent from the national setup for several key tournaments, including the England Tests and the Asia Cup. His last appearance for India was during their Champions Trophy victory earlier this year, followed by a disappointing IPL season that saw him fall out of favor. As the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami’s resurgence in the Ranji Trophy could be crucial for his aspirations to return to the international stage.
Bengal’s Batting Woes
While Shami’s bowling heroics were a highlight, Bengal’s batting response was far from ideal. Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, who had been tipped for a potential spot in India’s Test squad, faced a disheartening start. He was dismissed for a golden duck, dragging the very first ball of the innings onto his stumps, handing Uttarakhand an early breakthrough.
By the end of Day 1, Bengal found themselves in a precarious position at 8 for 1, trailing by 205 runs. Sudip Chatterjee and Sudip Kumar Gharami were at the crease, but the early loss of their captain put the team on the back foot as they headed into Day 2.
Support from Young Pacers
Before Shami’s late intervention, it was young pacer Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal who kept Bengal in contention. The 25-year-old impressed with figures of 4 for 54, showcasing both pace and late movement. Ishan Porel also contributed significantly, taking 3 for 40, including the crucial wicket of Uttarakhand’s top scorer, Bhupen Lalwani, who managed a gritty 71 runs off 128 balls.
Lalwani’s dismissal triggered a late collapse for Uttarakhand, who lost their last four wickets for just 34 runs. This sudden downturn in their innings allowed Shami to capitalize and turn the tide in Bengal’s favor.
Controversy Over Pitch Conditions
Interestingly, the pitch at Eden Gardens, which appeared green on the eve of the match, was stripped of grass on match day. This decision raised eyebrows, particularly given Bengal’s choice to field a four-man pace attack. The dry, grassless surface offered little assistance to seamers, making Shami’s late burst even more impressive.
As Bengal prepares for Day 2, they will need to rely on both their experienced and emerging batters to recover from a shaky start. The pressure is on to build a solid innings and capitalize on the momentum generated by Shami’s bowling.
Conclusion
Mohammed Shami’s stunning performance in the Ranji Trophy serves as a reminder of his capabilities as a top-tier bowler, even as he navigates the challenges of returning to form after injury. With Bengal facing early setbacks in their batting lineup, the coming days will be crucial for both Shami and the team as they aim to turn the match in their favor. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Shami to see if he can maintain this level of performance and reclaim his spot in the national team.
