Mohammed Shami showcased his all-around cricketing prowess during Bengal’s clash against Chandigarh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Known primarily for his bowling, Shami surprised fans and selectors alike with his batting, smashing a quickfire 32 off just 17 balls. His late blitz propelled Bengal to a competitive total of 159 in their 20 overs.
Shami’s innings featured two towering sixes and a boundary off Sandeep Sharma’s final over, demonstrating his ability to dominate seasoned bowlers. He unleashed a range of shots, including a stunning six off a short-pitched delivery over the covers and another off a fuller-length ball. His effort marked his highest T20 score, surpassing his previous best of 21.
The selectors and the BCCI medical team have been closely monitoring Shami’s fitness and performance in the ongoing tournament as he eyes a return to international cricket. The fast bowler is set to join the Indian Test squad midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, provided he proves his match readiness.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma addressed Shami’s potential comeback, emphasizing the need for caution. “We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. There are professionals monitoring him, and we will make a decision based on their assessment. The door is always open for him to return,” Rohit said after India’s defeat in Adelaide.
With his standout performance in Bengaluru, Shami has strengthened his case for a spot in the Indian team. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds depth to the squad as India prepares for the challenges Down Under.