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India pacer Mohammed Shami made a statement by taking a fifer, leading Bengal to a win over Gujarat amidst Urvil Patel’s blazing century in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash at Eden Gardens. As Shami brushed aside fitness concerns ahead of squad announcement for home Test series against South Africa next month, his childhood coach, Mordabad-based Mohammed Badruddin, believes that the pacer has got his rhythm back. Badruddin believes that Shami is 'match-fit' and when he does that, batters are often left clueless about where the ball will move.
“His rhythm has returned and that happens when he is 100 percent match-fit. Rhythm is what matters when it comes to Shami. Once he gets his rhythm, he’s a different bowler. What I saw today was the Shami of old. I didn’t see anything missing. His seam position was good and he seemed to be enjoying bowling. Seam aisa chal raha tha ki pata hi nahi chalta batsmen ko ki kidhar chalega ball (seam position was so good that the batsmen didn’t know which way the ball would move),” Badruddin told The Indian Express.
Badruddin wanted Shami to be part of India A
Shami has taken 15 wickets from two games already. He has been bowling spells without losing much pace, steaming in like he always does. After chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Shami's public showdown over their match fitness and the latter claiming lack of communication, Badruddin feels that the pacer should have been part of the two four-day games against South Africa A at home. The coach asked whether the current Indian team has someone who can replace Shami.
“After injury, it takes time for a bowler to get back into rhythm. There is a bit of difference between international and domestic games, but once he plays one international match, he will find his rhythm again. He has been bowling enough overs to prove that he is fit. He just needs to keep playing matches and the wickets will follow. Ideally, he should have been part of the India A squad that will play South Africa in the four-day games,” the coach said.
“Shami tells me he gets fitter faster when he is training at home. He has trained really hard to regain fitness. He is among the wickets also. Is there an outstanding bowler at the moment who can take Shami’s place? With his experience and skill, he remains a strike bowler,” he added.
Shami's next appearance will be against Tripura in Bengal's next Ranji clash, starting November 1. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant-led India A will go up against South Africa A, starting October 30.
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