Mohammed Shami set to feature in two Ranji Trophy games for Bengal ahead of BGT 2024-25

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is all set to make his return to professional cricket with two crucial matches of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 for Bengal before joining the Indian squad in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

The 34-year-old, who has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, is expected to feature in Bengal's away fixtures against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. The speedster claimed 24 wickets at an average of 10.70 in the ODI World Cup and underwent surgery in London in February following his stellar performance.

While initial plans suggested his comeback during the home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, a swollen knee setback delayed his return to the field. Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla confirmed Shami's anticipated return to domestic cricket. 

“He is not available for this match (vs Kerala), but we are hopeful that Shami will join us for games against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh,” Shukla told The Indian Express.

Also Read: 'Success is the sum of small efforts' - Mohammed Shami hints comeback with latest social media post

We want him to be fit; we want him to be 100 percent: Rohit Sharma

Shami is expected to join the Bengal squad in Bengaluru for their match beginning on November 6, followed by the fixture in Indore against Madhya Pradesh.

This schedule means he won't travel with the Indian team's initial contingent to Australia, who are set to depart shortly after the conclusion of the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. Indian captain Rohit Sharma had previously emphasized the importance of Shami's full fitness.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed. We want him to be fit; we want him to be 100 percent. More than anything else, we don’t want to bring an undercooked Shami to Australia,” Rohit had said.

Coach Shukla also mentioned the mutual benefits of Shami's Ranji Trophy participation. According to the coach, Shami's participation in domestic matches will help him to be in the playing zone when he arrives in Australia.

“He is a valuable player for India and the team his service will be required for the Australia series. Recently, he mentioned how keen he is about playing a couple of Ranji games for Bengal before travelling to Australia. Good outings in the Ranji Trophy will be good for him ahead of the Australia tour and will be a big boost for us our four key players are playing for India and India A,” said Shukla.