Mohammed Shami sends strong message with a brilliant 4/13 in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after being left out of the Indian team. His strong form boosts his case again in domestic cricket.
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Mohammed Shami once again proved why he is one of India’s most experienced and dangerous fast bowlers.
In a strong reply to being left out of the Indian team, Mohammed Shami produced a match-winning spell of 4 for 13 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His performance helped Bengal defeat Services by seven wickets in Hyderabad and also pushed the team to the top of the points table.
The match started with Shami making an instant impact. He struck early by removing Gaurav Kocchar for 0 and then dismissed Ravi Chauhan, who scored 26 off just 9 balls. His tight line and sharp movement troubled all the batters. With support from Akash Deep, who took 3 for 27, Services were bowled out for 165 in 18.2 overs. Bengal later chased the target in only 15.1 overs.
Abhimanyu Easwaran led the side well and also contributed with the bat by scoring 58 off 37 balls. Abhishek Porel added quick runs with a 56 off 29 balls. The duo built a 93-run partnership that made the chase very easy.
But the main platform was created by Mohammed Shami with his brilliant bowling spell. He was also named Player of the Match for his figures of 4/13 in 3.2 overs.
This performance comes at an important time because India’s fast-bowling choices for the South Africa series are being discussed. Many fans and experts feel that Shami should have been part of the squad.
Prasidh Krishna conceded 85 runs in the second ODI, which also led to questions about Shami’s absence.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also raised concerns.
On his YouTube channel, he said, “Where is Shami? I don’t know why Shami is not playing. I get it, you have Prasidh, he is a good bowler, but he still has a lot to learn. You had good bowlers, and you have slowly sidelined them. With Bumrah, this is a different bowling attack, and without Bumrah, it is entirely different attack altogether. We have to learn the art of winning games without Jasprit Bumrah.”
Mohammed Shami has not played for India since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where he finished as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets.
His latest performance shows that he is still in top form and ready whenever the national team needs him. His spell in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will surely make the selectors take notice again.
