For Shami, this wasn’t just another cricket match — it was a statement. A reminder to fans, critics, and, most importantly, the selectors that his hunger and fire remain undiminished.
“Hard Work Is Paying Off” – Shami’s Message Rings Loud
Moments after Bengal sealed the win, Shami took to social media to share photos from the match, along with the game ball that earned him the Player of the Match award. His caption was simple yet powerful:
“Grateful for the rhythm and hard work paying off. Always proud to represent my team.”
That single post summed up the emotions of a man who had endured pain, criticism, and months of uncertainty — and emerged stronger.
The 35-year-old speedster produced a vintage performance, claiming 5 for 38 in Gujarat’s second innings and finishing with eight wickets in the match. His fiery spell demolished Gujarat’s batting order, sparking loud cheers from the Eden Gardens stands. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a declaration: Mohammed Shami is back.
Dominating the Ranji Season
With this match, Shami moved into the top three wicket-takers of the ongoing Ranji season, boasting 15 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.46 from just four innings. Numbers aside, it was his rhythm and intent that impressed the most. Every ball seemed to whisper defiance — defiance against injury, doubt, and the ticking clock of age.
Shami’s 13th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket wasn’t just about statistics. It was about rediscovering himself — the rhythm, the seam movement, the lethal accuracy that has made him one of India’s most dependable fast bowlers across formats.
Bengal’s Big Win — And A Long-Awaited One
For Bengal, this victory was special on multiple levels. It was their first Ranji Trophy win over Gujarat since 2003, a gap of more than two decades. But beyond the team’s joy, the spotlight was undeniably on Shami.
His final-day burst of pace and swing broke Gujarat’s resistance and turned a competitive match into a one-sided affair. The Eden Gardens crowd, known for its cricketing passion, rose to applaud a homegrown hero who has carried Bengal’s cricketing pride for years.
The Road Back: Recovery and Resolve
Coming back from surgery is never easy — especially for a fast bowler. Every stride, every delivery, tests both body and mind. Shami underwent ankle surgery earlier this year, which ruled him out of India’s international commitments for several months.
Speaking after the match, Shami opened up about his comeback journey.
“Every cricketer dreams of playing for the country, and I am no different. My job is simple — stay fit and perform. The rest is up to the selectors. What matters to me is contributing to my team and maintaining my rhythm.”
That humility and focus have been hallmarks of his career. Shami didn’t lash out at critics or demand attention. Instead, he let his performance speak for itself — something he’s been doing consistently for over a decade.
Selectors Take Note — The Message Is Clear
It’s no secret that Shami’s exclusion from India’s recent white-ball tour of Australia raised eyebrows. The official word was that he wasn’t “match-fit,” but Shami’s fiery spell against Gujarat tells a different story.
His recent comments also hinted at some tension with the selectors. Earlier this month, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that Shami wasn’t “ready for match conditions.” In response, the pacer subtly countered, saying, “It’s not my responsibility to update selectors about my fitness; they can always check.”
Now, with this performance, Shami has effectively answered all questions — not with words, but with wickets.
Coach’s Praise: “His Bowling Is the Certificate”
Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla was all praise for the veteran pacer after the win. His words captured what many in the cricketing fraternity believe:
“Mohammed Shami doesn’t need a certificate from anyone. His bowling is the certificate. He’s completely fit and in top rhythm. Watching him bowl like that again gives a huge boost to the entire team.”
Indeed, Shami’s presence does more than just deliver wickets. His work ethic, discipline, and leadership inspire the younger bowlers around him. Several Bengal players have often spoken about how observing Shami in the nets teaches them more than any classroom session could.
A Career Built on Resilience
Shami’s journey has never been smooth. From battling personal challenges to enduring multiple injuries, he has faced it all — and come back stronger each time. What sets him apart is his ability to rise, regardless of circumstances.
Since making his debut for India in 2013, Shami has built a reputation as one of the most skillful fast bowlers in the modern game. Whether it’s the red ball reversing under the Chennai heat or the white ball swinging under the lights in England, he has consistently delivered.
His record speaks volumes — over 200 Test wickets, numerous match-winning spells, and the reputation of being India’s “go-to” bowler in crunch situations. And yet, at 35, he continues to push boundaries, driven by sheer passion for the game.
The Emotional Comeback at Eden
There was something poetic about Shami’s return happening at Eden Gardens — the very ground where he first made his name. As he ran in to bowl, the crowd’s roar grew louder with each delivery. Every wicket brought back memories of his glory days — the 2015 World Cup, the Border-Gavaskar series, and countless Test wins where he ripped through top orders.
After the match, Shami admitted that this comeback meant more to him than most performances.
“It’s a relief, both mentally and physically. Coming back after such a difficult period and performing well gives me confidence. It shows there’s still a lot of cricket left in me.”
For fans and teammates alike, those words were reassuring. Mohammed Shami isn’t done yet — not by a long shot.
Fitness, Focus, and the Future
While his return has reignited talk of an India recall, Shami remains grounded. He knows selection isn’t in his control. What is in his control, however, is his fitness and form — two areas he’s clearly mastered.
Those close to the team say Shami’s training routine has been intense yet smart. He’s focused more on flexibility, endurance, and balance rather than just pace. The result is visible — he’s bowling with rhythm and without signs of discomfort.
Cricket pundits have already begun speculating whether Shami could be part of India’s upcoming Test series against England or the World Test Championship cycle. If his form continues like this, ignoring him might prove difficult.
Why Shami Still Matters
In an era where cricket often celebrates youth and speed, Shami stands as a reminder that experience, skill, and mental toughness are just as valuable. His ability to swing the ball both ways, extract bounce from unresponsive pitches, and maintain accuracy under pressure make him a match-winner even today.
Beyond numbers, though, Shami embodies the spirit of Indian cricket — resilience, determination, and pride. Every time he runs in to bowl, there’s a sense of purpose, as if each delivery carries a story — of struggle, of faith, and of unwavering belief.
Fans Rally Behind the Comeback King
Unsurprisingly, Shami’s performance has set social media buzzing. Fans flooded his X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram handles with messages of support and admiration. Phrases like “King Shami,” “comeback of the year,” and “the lion of Bengal” trended across cricket forums.
For many, his return isn’t just about sport — it’s about hope. Seeing a player bounce back from injury and criticism with such grace and power reminds fans why cricket, at its core, is about human spirit.
Final Word: The Roar of Redemption
Mohammed Shami’s latest performance is more than just a five-wicket haul — it’s a roar of redemption. It’s the story of a warrior who refused to fade quietly, who faced adversity head-on, and who continues to inspire millions with his determination.
Whether or not the selectors bring him back into the national fold, one thing is certain: Shami has proven that class is permanent. His rhythm, skill, and heart remain unmatched.
As he himself said, “My job is to stay fit and keep performing; the rest is in the selectors’ hands.”
With Bengal celebrating a long-awaited win and Shami reclaiming his old rhythm, Indian cricket fans can only hope — and perhaps expect — to see that familiar run-up in blue once again.
Conclusion
At 35, Mohammed Shami’s journey is far from over. If anything, it feels like a new chapter — one written with grit, sweat, and unshakeable belief. The Bengal pacer has not only silenced critics but also reminded everyone why he’s regarded as one of the finest seamers India has ever produced.
His message to the world was clear and simple: “Never count me out.”
