Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been making headlines for his fiery comeback in domestic cricket after being sidelined from the national side. Despite being left out of India’s squad, Mohammed Shami has let his performance do the talking in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26.
He has been in sensational form for Bengal in the ongoing first-class tournament. Shami’s performance is totally proving the Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s claims about the bowler’s fitness to be lies. Agarkar claimed that the fast bowler wasn’t match-fit, and that’s why he was ignored for the England and Australia tour.
Mohammed Shami silences critics with fiery Ranji Trophy comeback
However, Shami has openly denied the claims made by the Indian chief selector many times. The Indian pacer pointed out that he has been actively playing for Bengal in both the Duleep and Ranji Trophies, questioning how that could be possible if he was not truly unfit.
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The situation took a dramatic turn when the BCCI decided to step in and calm the storm. The newly appointed selector, RP Singh, was sent to Bengal to speak directly with Shami and clear the air. The move worked perfectly, as the war of words stopped, and Shami focused entirely on his matches.
And his performances since then have been a loud answer to every critic. In just four innings of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, Shami has picked up an astonishing 15 wickets, including a five-wicket haul that reminded everyone why he’s still one of India’s finest pacers.
Mohammed Shami has been exceptional: Abishek Porel
Even his Bengal teammate and interim captain, Abishek Porel, has spoken highly of him, describing how dangerous Shami looks with the ball in hand. Porel was full of admiration for Mohammed Shami’s recent performances in the Ranji Trophy.
The Bengal highlighted how Shami’s spell against Uttarakhand on the fourth morning was pure class—something that separates a seasoned international fast bowler from an ordinary domestic player.
Abishek Porel was quoted as saying by InsideSport, “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.”
Abishek Porel says Mohammed Shami is 100% fit and at his peak
Porel, who has been keeping wickets for Bengal, has seen Shami’s form and fitness up close and believes the veteran pacer is in excellent shape.
Ahead of the Bengal vs Tripura match, he stressed that Shami looks as sharp and energetic as ever, showing no signs of injury or discomfort.
The young captain feels that Shami is still at the top of his game, bowling long spells with full intensity and maintaining his rhythm throughout.
Porel added, “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.”
