Follow UsVeteran pacer Mohammed Shami returned to form emphatically, claiming 4 wickets for 30 runs for Bengal against Haryana in a Group-C fixture of the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). His performance served as a strong reminder of his abilities, especially after being overlooked by selectors for India’s recent white-ball and Test squads.
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is continuing his impressive form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025. On Monday, Shami proved to be a major asset for Bengal. Although Haryana's batters made a good start, Shami took four valuable wickets for just 30 runs in his four-over spell. His tight bowling (economy rate of 7.50) restricted Haryana to 191 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs.
Shami's performance has been consistently excellent in the SMAT 2025. Earlier, he took three wickets for 34 runs against Puducherry and was also named Player of the Match for his brilliant spell of four for 13 against Services. In the ongoing campaign, Shami has picked 16 wickets from seven matches at an average of 14.93
What makes this effort more noteworthy is that Shami has been out of favour at the national level. He last represented India during the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy, after which he was not selected for India’s tours of Australia or the ongoing South Africa series. Selectors, including Ajit Agarkar, had cited “fitness concerns” and lack of match practice as reasons. But Shami has consistently shown form, including 20 wickets in four matches during the first phase of this season’s Ranji Trophy, and his exclusion has drawn criticism from former players and experts.
His coach voiced frustration publicly, pointing out that when a bowler delivers performances of this level, overlooking him makes little sense. “When a player is playing Test-level cricket, taking 15 wickets in two games, he doesn’t look unfit from anywhere,” his coach said.
Now, after this latest masterclass, many believe Shami has given a strong argument to force his way back into contention for national selection — especially in white-ball formats where India often seeks experienced fast-bowling options.