Shami Shines in Ranji Trophy Victory
Bengal's Mohammad Shami displayed his remarkable skills in the recent Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat, taking 8 wickets and leading his team to a 141-run victory. This performance comes at a time when Shami was not selected for India's white-ball tour to Australia, raising questions about his place in the national team. However, Shami's dedication to the game and his team remains unwavering.
After the match, Bengal's head coach, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, emphasized that Shami does not need any validation or certificate from anyone. He stated, “Mohammad Shami is a certificate in himself.” Shukla pointed out that Shami has the support of his fans, media, and even the divine, which adds to his confidence as a player.
Shami himself expressed his readiness to don the national jersey again. He acknowledged the hard work and a bit of luck involved in getting selected for the Indian team. “Every person wants to play for the country. So, I am ready for that (again),” he said. This reflects his unwavering focus on his career despite the setbacks.
Furthermore, Shami shared insights on overcoming injuries and playing domestic cricket. He mentioned, “It’s a relief. Mentally, physically, it feels very good, because you are coming back from such a difficult time.” His journey back to form is inspiring, and he is keen on continuing to perform well in the domestic season.
Shami also highlighted the significance of playing on favorable pitches, specifically mentioning the need for a green top at Eden Gardens. He believes that with a strong pace attack, Bengal can capitalize on such conditions. “If you can raise your voice, if you can say that it is better, because we have the opportunity, we have the ability to get six points, seven points if we are playing on green tops,” he noted.
As Shami continues to perform at such a high level in domestic cricket, fans and selectors alike are hopeful for his return to the Indian team, where he has consistently shown his prowess as a fast bowler.