Domestic Cricket: Bengal's Mohammed Shami Returns to Form in Ranji Trophy

The 30th edition of the Ranji Trophy experienced a thrilling set of matches, with Bengal's Mohammed Shami making a successful comeback and triggering speculation about his potential recall to the Indian team. Shami took 4 wickets for 54 runs against Madhya Pradesh, helping Bengal take a 61-run lead in Indore.

In other matches, double centuries by Snehal Kauthankar (314*) and Kashyap Bakle (300*) propelled Goa to a commanding 551-run lead over Arunachal Pradesh, while Shahrukh Khan's 86 helped Tamil Nadu gain control against Railways. Swastik Samal's 118 for Odisha wasn't enough to prevent Jharkhand from securing a first-innings lead against Meghalaya. Krishnan Shrijith scored 110 for Karnataka, giving his team a 186-run lead over Uttar Pradesh.

Saurashtra dominated Chandigarh with 531 runs, while Kumar Kushagra (133*) ensured Jharkhand remained in the game against Delhi. Arunachal Pradesh suffered their fifth consecutive loss, while Bengal dominated their earlier match against them, winning by 14 wickets. Bengal's Mohammed Shami demonstrated his skills, answering concerns over his fitness and form, to take 4/54 off 19 overs.

The Baroda bowlers, including Ninad Rathva (6-28) and Mahesh Pithiya (3-46), took 17.5 overs to dismiss Meghalaya for 54 and secure a win. Kamboj achieved a rare feat in first-class cricket by taking 10 wickets in a single innings for Haryana, showcasing his impressive skill.

Mohammed Shami's return to form has reignited hope that he could still make a significant impact in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Former coach Ravi Shastri has expressed support for Shami's inclusion in the Indian team, citing the need for support to Jasprit Bumrah in the pace bowling attack. With the first Test starting on November 22 in Perth, the focus now shifts to whether Shami's impressive performance will translate into a recall to the Indian team.