W,W,W,W,W... Mohammed Shami Takes 15 Wickets, Makes Bold Statement for South Africa Series

Team India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has sent a strong message to the national selectors by making his ball talk during the ongoing domestic season. The fast bowler has been has been sensational with the ball in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 so far, making his case strong for a national comeback.

Mohammed Shami, who has been out of the Indian side in Tests since the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final 2023, has made a strong statement with the ball, especially in Bengal’s most recent game against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26.

Mohammed Shami Ranji Trophy Performance: India Veteran Makes Bold Statement

Shami bagged a magical fifer in the game and this came amid his tiff with the Indian selectors over his selection. The fast bowler picked up three wickets in the first innings against Gujarat and then followed it up with a five-wicket haul in the second innings, returning with the figures of 5/38.

The veteran fast bowler is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26. He has picked up 15 wickets in just two games. His figures read:
3/37, 4/38, 3/44, and 5/38. Mohammed Shami wickets in Ranji Trophy has increased the chances of his return to the Indian team.

With the kind of performances that he has given, Mohammed Shami is likely to be picked for the India national cricket team in the South Africa series. The Proteas team will be locking horns with each other in the two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.

It is expected that Shami will be there for the IND vs SA 2025 ODIs and Tests, which will begin with the opening game at the oldest cricket stadium in India, Eden Gardens, from 14th November. Going ahead, Shami will be extremely important for India in both formats.

Mohammed Shami vs Ajit Agarkar Saga

Mohammed Shami has been in the news for the last few weeks, especially after he openly called out selectors. The premier pacer, who has been one of the best bowlers in the world since the last decade, has not played for the national side since the end of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

He was overlooked for the Test series against England and the West Indies with selectors mentioning that he isn’t fit. However, the pacer was quick to mention that he is 100% fit, taking a dig, saying that if he is playing Ranji Trophy why can’t he play for the national side.

Mohammed Shami has been battling a lot of injuries for the last few years. After the ICC World Cup 2023, he underwent an ankle injury which troubled him in the tournament. He was further ruled out of action for more than a year, making his return in the T20Is against England ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Mohammed Shami was the joint highest wicket-taker for India and then was dropped from the side across formats. This came as a massive surprise for many as he is at par with Jasprit Bumrah when it comes to pace bowling.