Follow UsMohammed Shami recently put out a blunt message for the Indian selectors after being snubbed for Asia Cup 2025: If I'm fit for the Duleep Trophy, how am I not fit to play T20s? Well, the answer to that is in the Indian Premier League (IPL) performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where the pacer picked up six wickets at an economy rate of 11.23 - one of the highest for a bowler across all seasons.
The fact that things went horribly wrong for Shami was surprising, given that in March, he was among the wickets as India lifted the Champions Trophy.
However, after almost four months since his last competitive game, Shami was back playing first-class cricket, for East Zone against North Zone in Bengaluru. He ended Day 1 of the match with figures of 1/55 from his 17 overs. He was the most used bowler after left-arm orthodox from Jharkhand, Manishi, who bowled 19.
Just when it looked as though he would go wicketless, Shami picked up the wicket of all-rounder Sahil Lotera, caught behind for 19. North Zone ended the rain-curtailed first day at 308/6.
As there is no telecast or streaming for the Duleep Trophy 2025, it is unclear as to what sort of rhythm Shami was in. But the fact that he bowled 22% of the total overs should ideally put an end to him being unfit. However, only time will tell if he can keep this up in the long run.