"What he did today is like a fairy tale" - Bengal coach on Mohammed Shami's impressive comeback to competitive cricket in Ranji Trophy 2024-25
Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla described Mohammed Shami's comeback to competitive cricket in the ongoing Ranji Trophy as a fairy tale. The former India cricketer claimed that he has never seen a fast bowler come back so strongly after being away for a year.
Shami had been out of action due to an ankle injury since the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad on November 19 last year. The right-arm pacer underwent surgery to repair Achilles tendon in February this year, followed by an extensive period of rehabilitation.
Amid growing suspense over his recovery timeline, the 34-year-old was declared fit to represent Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Madhya Pradesh in Indore, which began on Wednesday, November 13. The right-arm pacer looked rusty on Day 1. He bowled two spells, and, while he was economical in both, he lacked accuracy and potency.
The seasoned fast bowler, tjpigj, lifted his game and claimed four wickets on Day 2 to finish with figures of 4-54 from 19 overs in the first innings. Reacting to Shami's performance in his first competitive game in nearly a year, Bengal coach Shukla said (as quoted by ESPNcricinfo):
"Someone has come back after one year and has bowled 19 overs and taken so many wickets. ... what's there to say. He came into the match without doing any match simulation. Can you imagine? But obviously if he plays more, he will get better."
"He bowled one six-over spell and one five-over spell. Players who bowl in the IPL don't even know how to bowl more than four overs. He bowled the sort of spells fast bowlers are expected to. I have never seen a fast bowler come back so strongly after one year away. What he did today is like a fairy tale," the former India all-rounder asserted.
Three of Shami's victims in the Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh were bowled. He cleaned up opposition captain Shubham Sharma, Saransh Jain and Kulwant Khejroliya, while Kumar Kartikeya was caught behind.
Shami ensures crucial lead for Bengal against MP
Sent into bat by Madhya Pradesh, Bengal were bowled out for 228 in 51.2 overs as Aryan Pandey and Khejroliya starred with four wickets each. In response, MP were well placed at 103-1 at stumps on Day 1.
Comeback man Shami, though, starred on Day 2 and claimed four wickets as MP were held to 167. Having gained a crucial first-innings lead of 61, Bengal went to stumps on Day 2 at 170-5, having stretched their lead to 231 runs.