While the national side is locked in the high-stakes drama of the T20 World Cup, a veteran warrior is staging a silent, lethal revolution in the red-ball circuit. In the Ranji Trophy semi-final at the Bengal Cricket Ground, Mohammed Shami produced a spell for the ages, claiming career-best First-Class figures of 8/90 to dismantle Jammu & Kashmir and propel Bengal toward the final.
Shami’s previous best (7/79) came in 2012, months before his international debut. Fourteen years later, his rhythm remains as rhythmic and devastating as ever.
Opening burst: Shami wasted no time, trapping J&K openers Shubham Khajuria and Yawer Hassan lbw with deliveries that nipped back sharply.
Breaking the resistance: After a 143-run stand between Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad threatened to frustrate Bengal, Shami returned to break the partnership and trigger a collapse.
Tail-End: He wrapped up the innings by cleaning up the tail, including Kanhaiya Wadhawan and Yudhvir Singh Charak, to finish with his 15th five-wicket haul (and eventual eight-for).
Despite Shami’s domestic dominance; which includes 15 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he remains on the periphery of the national setup.
Age factor: At 35, the committee seems intent on grooming younger pacers like Anshul Kamboj and Harshit Rana.
Strained relations: Reports suggest a "silent treatment" between Shami and the Ajit Agarkar-led panel regarding his future in the red-ball squad.
Missing the big stages: Shami was overlooked for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the recent ODI series against New Zealand, even after his last India appearance in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
With a grueling international calendar ahead, the two-Test tour of New Zealand in October is being viewed as Shami's final realistic window for a comeback.
Kiwi factor: India has won only one Test series in New Zealand in the last 30 years (2009). Shami’s historical success there; 10 wickets in the 2013-14 series, makes him a tactical necessity rather than a sentimental choice.
WTC push: If India’s road to the World Test Championship final hits a snag, the selectors may be forced to reunite the "Bumrah-Shami" tandem one last time.