Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Mohammed Shami to make a comeback against Madhya Pradesh

The star Indian pacer, Mohammed Shami, is all set to return to competitive cricket as he will be representing Bengal in their upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 clash against Madhya Pradesh at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. The Elite Group C clash commences on Wednesday, November 13.

Shami's last appearance in a competitive fixture was the ODI World Cup final last year between India and Australia on November 19 in Ahmedabad. He will be making his much-awaited comeback after being sidelined for almost a year.

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) confirmed the 34-year-old's participation via a press release. This is an important fixture for both teams and Shami's inclusion adds a new layer to the mouth-watering clash.

“Shami’s inclusion in the Bengal team will not just be a big boost but also lift the morale of the entire team, which aims to make it to the next round of the Ranji Trophy,” read CAB’s statement.

Bengal are placed at No. 5 on the points table with eight points from four matches. Rain has severely hampered their campaign and the Anustup Majumdar-led side will be looking to go for an outright win against the five-time Ranji Trophy champions.

Shami's return to the Ranji Trophy after a six-year hiatus comes at a great time for Bengal as they need the talismanic seamer to step up, especially with the likes of Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep gearing up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Good outings in the Ranji Trophy will be good for him ahead of the Australia tour: Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla

Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla, who played alongside Shami in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kolkata Knight Riders, said that playing in the forthcoming Ranji Trophy fixture will get the Amroha-born ready for the tour of 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,” Shukla had told The Indian Express.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma not travelling with India to Australia ahead of BGT 2024-25

Shami hasn't been picked in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but there is a possibility that he could be added later if he proves his fitness in the game against Madhya Pradesh.