Mohammad Shami delivered a sensational spell in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy semifinal between Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir in Kalyani on Tuesday, February 17. The experienced pacer produced career-best figures of 8/90 in 22.1 overs, powering Bengal to a 26-run first-innings lead in the crucial knockout clash.
Shami has been among the standout performers in the tournament this season, claiming 36 wickets in seven matches, including three five-wicket hauls. He also impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, picking up 15 wickets in seven games at an economy rate of 6.09.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he added 16 wickets from seven outings at an economy of 8.90, registering two four-wicket hauls. Despite his consistent performances across domestic competitions, Shami has continued to be overlooked by national selectors in all formats.
Fans on X praised the veteran pacer and urged selectors to take note of his strong domestic showings, with one user writing:
If Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Suryakumar Yadav can play after the age of 35, Why not Mohammed Shami can Play. pic.twitter.com/4L71kGzBKL
— Shah (@Shahhoon1) February 17, 2026
Selectors should keep a close eye on these three players ahead of the Afghanistan Test:
1. Devdutt Padikkal
2. Mohammed Shami
3. Auqib NabiAll three have really stood out so far. 👌
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) February 17, 2026
Mohammed Shami too good with Red Ball against domestic players
8/90 vs J and K in the Ranji Trophy Semifinal helped Bengal take first innings lead.
Picture ©️ BCCI #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/V1VoWL7z46
— The Cricket Express (@TheYorkerBall) February 17, 2026
Mohammed Shami just dropped an 8-fer in a semi. If that’s “not fit,” then what is? 😭Ball talking louder than press conferences. Comeback loading…
— Dhruv Aaya (@dhruvaaya1) February 17, 2026
MOHAMMED SHAMI INDIA TEAM NOT SELECT 🥲💔
– 36 wickets in Ranji Trophy.
– 16 wickets in Syed Mushtaq Ali.
– 15 wickets in Vijay Hazare Trophy.67 WICKETS FOR MOHAMMED SHAMI IN THIS DOMESTIC SEASON – Still no Selection in Team India Squad..!! 💔 pic.twitter.com/OkdRGiP6sp
— Cricket X Lalit (@LGTweets07) February 17, 2026
Shami deserves to play in next world cup for sure🔥
— Kuchh Bhi Random (@KuchhBhiRandom) February 17, 2026
Ajiit Agarkar waiting for Shami to take all the 10 wickets in an innings to prove his fitness ..😅
— ALL IN (@ALLINBET9) February 17, 2026
Mohammad Shami Dropped From BCCI Central Contract For 2025–26
Mohammad Shami was recently excluded from the Board of Control for Cricket in India central contracts list for the 2025–26 season. The 35-year-old last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, while his most recent Test appearance came against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final.
In the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup, Mohammed Siraj was preferred over Shami as a late replacement for the injured Harshit Rana. After being left out of last year’s white-ball tour of Australia, Shami told ESPNcricinfo (via PTI):
“Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal. I think I do not need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers [Ranji Trophy], I can also play 50-overs cricket.”
Ajit Agarkar said Shami was not fit (via NDTV):
“If Shami was here, I would give him an answer. If he is fit, why wouldn’t we have a bowler like Shami? I have had multiple chats with him. Over the last six to eight months, what we have found out is that he wasn’t fit. He wasn’t fit to be picked for the England tour”
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