Mohammed Shami Returns to Bengal Squad for Ranji Trophy After International Snub

Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been named in Bengal's squad for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, marking his return to domestic cricket after being left out of both the West Indies Test series and Australia's upcoming white-ball tour. The 35-year-old will spearhead a formidable Bengal pace attack alongside Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Ishan Porel as they begin their campaign against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on October 15.

The Road Back After International Absence

Shami hasn't represented India since the Champions Trophy concluded in March 2025, enduring a seven-month absence from international cricket. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited lack of match time as a primary reason for his omission from the West Indies Tests, making Ranji Trophy participation crucial for his comeback hopes.

Since IPL 2025 ended in June, Shami has played just one first-class match—for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy—where he bowled 34 overs across two innings and managed only one wicket. This limited red-ball exposure has kept him out of national selection despite his proven track record as one of India's premier fast bowlers.

Leadership Change and Squad Dynamics

Bengal will be led by opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who replaces Anustup Majumdar as captain. The late change was reportedly made in consultation with Sourav Ganguly, the former India captain who recently assumed the presidency of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

Easwaran himself is a prolific domestic scorer who toured Australia and England with the Test squad but hasn't featured in a match, making this an opportunity for him to lead from the front.

Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar Eye Comebacks

The Ranji Trophy represents a crucial opportunity for Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar to force their way back into Test selection ahead of the South Africa series starting November 14.

Akash Deep impressed during India's England tour, featuring in three of five Tests and delivering a match-winning ten-wicket haul in the Birmingham victory. However, a back injury has sidelined him since, ruling him out of the Duleep Trophy. After completing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence and passing fitness tests, he's eager to prove his readiness.

Mukesh Kumar toured England with India A during the summer, taking three wickets in his only outing. A hamstring injury during the Duleep Trophy limited his game time, but he has since cleared all fitness protocols at the Centre of Excellence.

The South Africa Target

With India's Test series against South Africa beginning November 14, and Kolkata's Eden Gardens hosting the opening match, strong Ranji Trophy performances could put all three pacers—Shami, Akash Deep, and Mukesh—back in national selection discussions. The timing couldn't be better for Bengal's pace trio to showcase their fitness and form.

Group C Competition

Bengal have been placed in Elite Group C alongside Gujarat, Haryana, Services, Railways, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and Assam. Their opening two rounds will be home fixtures at Eden Gardens—first against Uttarakhand (October 15) and then Gujarat.

Former India all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla continues as Bengal's head coach, overseeing what looks to be one of the strongest pace attacks in domestic cricket this season.

The Bigger Picture

Shami's return to domestic cricket reflects the BCCI's stricter enforcement of policies requiring centrally contracted players to participate in domestic tournaments when available. This merit-based approach means even experienced international cricketers must prove their form and fitness through consistent domestic performances rather than relying on past achievements.

For Bengal, having three internationally experienced pacers creates an embarrassment of riches and makes them strong favorites to start their campaign on a winning note against Uttarakhand.