The early rounds of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy have brought back a familiar sight. Mohammed Shami is charging in with good rhythm and fire in his belly. After months of speculation about his fitness, the Bengal pacer has responded through performance, not words. In just two matches, he has taken 15 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, proving his worth in red-ball cricket. Reports from InsideSport suggest Shami’s dominance has turned Bengal’s attack into a formidable force. His accuracy, movement, and energy remind many of his best years in international cricket.
This comeback follows a long disagreement between Shami and the selectors. Ajit Agarkar, the Chairman of Selectors, claimed Shami wasn’t fit for India duty, prompting the bowler to respond publicly. Shami questioned how someone unfit could bowl long spells in domestic cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India sent RP Singh to Bengal to ease the situation. Since then, the 35-year-old has let his bowling do the talking, staying away from controversy and focusing on his game. His Ranji Trophy performances now give the strongest reply to anyone who doubts his fitness.
Fitness debate turns into an open statement
Abishek Porel, Bengal’s interim captain, supported Shami and insisted that he is fully fit and at his peak. The young wicketkeeper-batter, who stands closest to the action, told InsideSport how sharp Shami looked in the first two matches. He described spells that few domestic bowlers can match, especially the one he bowled against Uttarakhand on the fourth morning. From Porel’s view, Shami shows no signs of discomfort, fatigue, or injury.
“The kind of spell he bowled in the last 2 Ranji matches was exceptional. Only a few bowlers in the world have the ability to deliver that kind of spell, like he did against Uttarakhand on the morning of day 4. You could see the difference between a domestic bowler and a legendary bowler,” Porel told InsideSport.
“He is at his peak; he doesn’t have any injuries at this moment. It’s not like leaving the fielder after bowling his spell. Overall, he’s 100% fit. I don’t think he has any injury or niggle,” he added.
This situation highlights how poor communication between players and selectors often creates needless confusion. Shami’s record this season proves that experience and preparation matter more than perception. For a bowler like him, being called unfit without proper evaluation feels unfair. His current form shows he can still lead India’s pace attack if selectors give him the chance. Every delivery he bowls in the Ranji Trophy answers his critics silently.
