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"Doesn’t need certificate": Bengal coach tears into Agarkar after Shami’s Ranji heroics

Sakshi Sharma

Mohammed Shami (Source: @mufaddal_vohra,x.com)Mohammed Shami (Source: @mufaddal_vohra,x.com)

Star pacer Mohammed Shami once again made headlines with a commanding performance in the Ranji Trophy, sending a strong message to the BCCI selection committee. The 35-year-old produced a vintage spell to guide Bengal to 141-run victory over Gujarat in their Group C encounter at the Eden Gardens, taking five crucial wickets in the second innings.

It is important to mention that Shami’s heroics came amid ongoing debates about his exclusion from India’s white-ball squad for the ongoing series in Australia. Despite his consistent performances, Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI decided to exclude him from the squad. This exclusion did not sit well with ace Pacer, and he openly criticised the board for lack of communication.

Bengal Head coach applauds Shami's performance

After the game, Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla expressed his full support for the senior pacer, and many believed that he had indirectly criticised the selection committee and Agarkar. 

“Mohammed Shami doesn’t need a certificate from anyone. He is a certificate in himself. He has the backing of his fans, media, and the biggest selector of them all, who is right up there (God),” Shukla said after the game. 

It would not be wrong to say that with this performance and recent domestic form, Shami is making a strong case for himself to make a return to the Indian squad. 

Shami had a stellar run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, after which he was sidelined for nearly a year due to injury. He made a strong comeback earlier this year during the white-ball series against England and also played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign.

It is vital to note that Shami last wore the Indian jersey during the Champions Trophy. In the marquee tournament, the ace pacer was in decent form and rhythm. In five matches, the Bengal pacer scalped 9 wickets at an economy rate of 5.68. Overall talking about Shami's stats in the longest format, he has played 64 Test matches for India and has taken 229 wickets at an economy rate of 3.30.