Ranji Trophy 2026: Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has served yet another example of his eagerness to earn his place back in the national setup as he earned an eight-wicket haul against a strong Jammu and Kashmir line-up in the Ranji Trophy semifinal on Tuesday. The 36-year-old pacer's phenomenal spell helped him run through the batting line-up of J&K as Shami produced career-best bowling figures of 8 for 90. His exploits have helped Bengal take a first-innings lead of 26 at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani on Tuesday.
Shami's wicket tally has risen to 36 in 12 innings, as he is ranked sixth in the list of most-wicket takers in the Ranji season.
Shami's last international game came against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, as he was part of India's campaign-winning squad as well. Ever since, Shami has failed to make his place in the squad, with selectors lacking out his lack of competitive cricket behind his snub.
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A veteran of 64 test matches, despite the repeated snubs, made his desire public to represent India again at international level.
“A lot of hard work is there, and I believe luck too plays a part. Every person wants to play for the country. So, I am ready for that (again)," Shami told reporters after claiming a five-wicket haul against Gujarat earlier in the season.
“My motivation is to stay fit and be available for the Indian team at all times. On the ground, I will continue to perform, and the rest is on the selectors’ hands," he added.
What is chief selector's stance on Shami's non-selection?
Shami was not included in India’s Test teams for the upcoming home series against West Indies and South Africa in 2025. He was also overlooked for the white-ball tour of Australia last year.
Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the selection committee (men) for the BCCI, stated that Shami needs to participate more often to regain their confidence.
“He’s not played a lot of cricket. In the last two-three years, I think he’s played one match for Bengal and one match in the Duleep Trophy. So, as a performer, we know what he can do. But, he will need to play something," Agarkar had said last year.
