Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is set to return to action after he was named in Bengal’s squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh.
Shami has received the necessary clearance from the National Cricket Academy and will be joining the Bengal squad on November 12.
“In a major boost to Indian cricket and the Bengal Ranji Trophy team, star pacer Mohammed Shami will make a comeback into competitive cricket for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match in Indore starting on Wednesday,” said Naresh Ojha, honorary secretary of Cricket Association of Bengal in a statement.
“Shami, who has been out of competitive action since India’s ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad last November, will spearhead the Bengal pace bowling attack against Madhya Pradesh.”
The 34 year old suffered an ankle injury in the ODI World Cup 2023, which caused him many months in his cricketing career. He was key player for India in the ODI World Cup 2023 taking 24 wickets in seven games with an average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 10.20.
Lala (Shami) was hoping to to be named in the squad for Border Gavaskar Trophy after playing one or two Ranji Trophy games to prove his fitness. Shami was expected to make a comeback before New Zealand tests but his swollen knee has extended his rehabilitation process.
If Mohammed Shami proves his fitness in the upcoming four day game, there is a major possibility of him being added to India’s squad which features fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.
The Pacer has been on track for a return during Bangladesh series at home in September, and was in line to be considered for the season opening Duleep Trophy in September, until he suffered a swollen knee that put him back little bit in his recovery.
Bengal will be facing Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy stages on November 13 at Holkar Stadium.
