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Xtra Time Web Desk: Mohammed Shami made a remarkable return to the Ranji Trophy, claiming four wickets for Bengal in the ongoing clash against Madhya Pradesh at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Despite going wicketless on Day 1, the 34-year-old pacer stormed back on Day 2, picking up four wickets in the first session. His performance helped Bengal secure a valuable 61-run first-innings lead, with Madhya Pradesh’s batting lineup struggling to withstand Shami’s disciplined attack. He now stands on the verge of a hat-trick.And with this royal comeback, Shami's chances of playing in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy are steadily increasing.

Shami first dismissed MP’s captain Shubham Sharma for eight, before taking three crucial wickets in quick succession. His 18th over saw him bowl out Saransh Jain, and he followed it up by removing Kumar Kartikeya and Khulwant Khejroliya on consecutive deliveries. Shami wrapped up the innings with figures of 19 overs, four maidens, 54 runs, and four wickets, emerging as Bengal’s standout bowler.

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Notably, Shami shared the new ball with his younger brother Mohammed Kaif, marking the first time the two have played together at the senior level. Videos from Day 1 circulating on social media show Shami bowling at a slightly reduced pace but still consistently troubling the batters, including Rajat Patidar.

This game marks Shami’s first Ranji appearance since November 2018, when he played a one-off match against Kerala before joining India’s tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In his last international outing during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami ended as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets, despite India’s loss to Australia in the final.

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Following this strong domestic showing, Shami is likely to be fast-tracked to Australia for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which starts on November 22. This five-Test series holds great importance for India’s qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, and Shami’s experience could prove vital for India’s campaign.