India’s veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami is set to return to competitive cricket, but not in blue – this time, he’ll be wearing Bengal’s colours. The experienced pacer has been named in Bengal’s squad for the start of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, which begins on October 15 at the iconic Eden Gardens, where they take on Uttarakhand.
Bengal’s pace attack for the Ranji Trophy includes: Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar. pic.twitter.com/S1tYnDcZyU
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Shami Back in Action After a Long Break
It’s been a while since fans saw Shami in action. His last appearance for India was during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which wrapped up in March. Since then, he hasn’t featured in the national side — including the ongoing Test series against West Indies.
Explaining his absence, chief selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned that the decision was based on Shami’s lack of recent match practice. Since the end of IPL 2025, the 33-year-old has played only one first-class game – for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy — where he bowled 34 overs and picked up just one wicket.
But with the Ranji Trophy around the corner, Shami now has the chance to regain form and rhythm — and remind everyone why he’s still one of India’s most reliable pacers.
Young Pacers Look to Make a Mark
Joining Shami in Bengal’s pace attack are three promising names – Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Ishan Porel.
For Akash Deep, this is a key moment. He made headlines earlier this year during India’s tour of England, especially with a 10-wicket haul in the Birmingham Test. However, a back injury kept him out of the Duleep Trophy. Now fully fit, he’s ready to get back in the groove.
Mukesh Kumar, too, is eyeing a strong season. He was part of India A’s tour to England and has also recovered from a hamstring issue picked up during the Duleep Trophy.
Bengal’s Big Season Ahead
With a mix of experience and young blood, Bengal will be hoping to start strong in Group C, which also includes Assam, Services, Tripura, Railways, Haryana, and Gujarat.
For Shami, it’s more than just another match – it’s about getting back into rhythm, regaining match fitness, and showing he’s still got it. For the younger bowlers, it’s a golden opportunity to impress the selectors ahead of India’s tour of South Africa starting November 14.
All eyes will be on Eden Gardens when Bengal take the field and on Mohammed Shami, as he begins what could be a crucial comeback journey.
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