Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami marked a stellar return to competitive cricket on Wednesday, November 13, after nearly a year away from the game. In his first Ranji Trophy match of the 2024-25 season, representing Bengal, the 34-year-old bowler delivered an outstanding performance, taking 4 wickets for 54 runs in his 19-over spell against Madhya Pradesh at Holkar Stadium in Indore.

Shami’s Impressive Comeback Performance

Shami’s return to action was nothing short of remarkable. Despite being sidelined for almost a year, the seasoned pacer showed no signs of rust. His childhood coach, Mohammed Badruddin, expressed his admiration for Shami’s performance, emphasizing how it didn’t feel like he had been out of the game for such a long period.

“I saw his bowling clips, and it didn’t feel like he was bowling after one year,” Badruddin told The Indian Express. “You can’t take the art away from the artist. He has waited very patiently for this moment,” he added, reflecting on Shami’s disciplined approach to his recovery.

Will Shami Play In The Border-Gavaskar Trophy?

Although Shami was not included in India’s 18-member squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, Badruddin remains hopeful that the pacer will join the Indian team after the first Test in Adelaide. He believes Shami will play a crucial role in the second half of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

“He will be joining the Indian team after the Adelaide (second) Test. Now that he is back, proved his fitness, and picked up wickets, he will be crucial for the team in the second half of the tour,” Badruddin said, showing confidence in Shami’s abilities.

Shami’s Future Plans: Syed Mushtaq Ali And More Game Time

As Shami looks to regain full fitness, Badruddin suggested that the pacer could also participate in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy to get more game time. While Shami is eager to play, his participation will depend on the Indian team management’s requirements.

“He wants to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali, but it depends on what the Indian team management wants. He was asked to prove his fitness, and in his 19-over spell, he showed that he is not rusty,” Badruddin said. “Shami is a rhythm bowler; the more he bowls, the better he will get. But it all depends on the guidelines he has received from the management,” he added.

A Patient And Methodical Comeback

Badruddin also emphasized that Shami’s return to competitive cricket was well-planned, as the bowler only chose to return when he was 100% fit. His disciplined approach to recovery has set the stage for a successful return to the national team in the near future.