“Back in action, let’s make this season memorable” - Mohammed Shami all set to take the field in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 against Madhya Pradesh
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is poised to make his return to competitive cricket after nearly a year, and he’s eager to get back on the field. The 34-year-old will play for Bengal in the Round 5 fixture of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy against Madhya Pradesh, starting Wednesday, November 13, in Indore.
Earlier today, on November 12, the Cricket Association of Bengal issued a statement confirming the return of the right-arm seamer. They stated:
"Shami, who has been out of competitive action since India's ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad last November, will spearhead the Bengal pace bowling attack against Madhya Pradesh. Shami's inclusion in the Bengal team will not just be a big boost but also lift the morale of the entire team, which aims to make it to the next round of the Ranji Trophy."
In a major boost for the Indian team, the seasoned pacer expressed his excitement by posting a picture from the airport on X. He wrote:
“‘Back in action.’ 360 days is a long long time!! All set for the Ranji Trophy. Now back on the domestic stage with the same passion and energy. Huge thanks to all my fans for your endless love, support, and motivation - let’s make this season memorable.”
Shami will be looking to turn around Bengal's fortunes, as they currently sit fifth on the Elite Group C points table with eight points from four games.
Mohammed Shami was last seen in action during the 2023 ODI World Cup final
The Bengal pacer was last seen in action during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia, where India’s campaign ended in a heartbreaking six-wicket loss. Shami finished as the tournament's top wicket-taker for India, claiming 24 scalps in just seven matches.
After the World Cup, Shami was sidelined due to an ankle injury, which required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period at the then-National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. However, his return was delayed further due to swelling in his knee.
Following the first Test against New Zealand, Shami was seen bowling to assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, but he missed the early rounds of the Ranji Trophy.
Now, the 34-year-old is back in action and will be eager to prove his fitness and form in the upcoming matches, with an eye on securing a spot for the latter stages of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.