'I always end up in controversies...': Mohammed Shami gives blunt statement after picking up fifer against Gujarat

Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami banged on selectors' doors with another fine bowling performance in Ranji Trophy. After clinching seven wickets in Bengal's first match against Uttarakhand, he recorded figures of 5/38 against Gujarat in the second round. He had earlier picked up three wickets during Gujarat's first inning and had played a key role in them being bundled out for 167 runs. The fifer saw him take his tally for the tournament to 15 scalps in just two matches.

Shami's repeated India snub

Shami, who hasn't been in the scheme of things for India since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, has sent a clear message to the selectors with his first two performances. The 35-year-old hasn't played Test cricket for the Men in Blue since the 2023 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia and must be eager to get a call-up fo r the upcoming two-match series against South Africa that is set to begin from November 14.

Shami's fifer helped Bengal in bowling out Gujarat for 185 in their second innings after handing them a target of 327. The Abhimanyu Easwaran-led side won the match by 141 runs to make it two wins from as many matches. Following the match, Shami addressed the criticism around him and bluntly stated that he will get in trouble if he says anything.

ALSO READ: 'Was hoping for a month off...': Mitchell Marsh breaks silence on potential Test return with The Ashes

"I always end up being in controversies, you (the media) have made me that kind of bowler. Mai bolumna toh bawaal ho jayega (If I speak, I'll be in trouble)," Shami told reporters.

Shami gets overtaken by Shahbaz

However, despite picking up eight wickets for Bengal in the match against Gujarat, Shami wasn't the side's top performer with the ball. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed proved to be the star bowler for the side as he finished the game with nine wickets under his name. He recorded figures of 6/34 in the first innings and followed that up by taking three scalps more on the second occasion. He was also adjudged as the Player of the Match for his fine bowling display.

Meanwhile, Bengal will be facing Tripura in the third round of the Ranji Trophy that will begin from November 1. It remains to be seen if they will be able to continue their winning run and make it three victories from as many games.