Sports · Cricket · 3 hrs ago
Bengal coach says Mohammed Shami was rested and is fit
Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said Mohammed Shami was fit and rested for the Ranji Trophy match against Services in New Delhi.
Shukla said Shami had asked to sit out after bowling many overs against Delhi in the previous round.
Shami had been left out of India’s upcoming Test tour of New Zealand, prompting questions about his fitness and absence from the Bengal team.
The coach said the decision was to manage Shami’s workload, not because of a fitness concern.
Shami had taken four wickets for 30 runs against Delhi and was seen training and batting at practice in New Delhi.
His absence gave Bengal a chance to assess other bowlers, with Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar unavailable because of India A commitments.
Bengal were bowled out for 184, and Services ended the day on 83 for five, 101 runs behind.
Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said Mohammed Shami was fit and had asked to be rested for Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Services.
Shukla said Shami had bowled many overs in the previous round against Delhi and that resting him would allow Bengal to try other players.
Shami was left out of the playing XI for the match at the Palam ground in New Delhi on Sunday.
His absence prompted speculation after he was omitted from India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand.
Bengal were bowled out for 184, and Services ended the first day on 83 for five, 101 runs behind.
- Who
- Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla and fast bowler Mohammed Shami.
- What
- Shukla said Shami was fit and had asked to be rested from Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Services.
- When
- Sunday, October 18, 2026.
- Where
- The match was played at the Palam ground in New Delhi.
- Why
- Shukla said Shami had bowled many overs against Delhi in the previous round and asked to rest.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Shami took four wickets for 30 runs in 17.3 overs against Delhi.
Shami trained with the Bengal team.
Shami was left out of Bengal’s playing XI against Services, and Shukla said he had asked to be rested.
Bengal were all out for 184, and Services were 83 for five, trailing by 101 runs.
Services were 12 without loss at stumps while chasing 197.
- Shami’s previous-round figures
- 4 wickets for 30 runs in 17.3 overs
- Match venue
- Palam ground, New Delhi
- Bengal’s first-innings total
- 184
- Services at first-day stumps
- 83 for 5, trailing by 101 runs
- Shami’s previous Ranji season
- 37 wickets in 7 matches, average 16.72
3 sources
What people are saying
Shami is fit, he was rested. He bowled a lot of overs against Delhi last round. He himself asked to be rested.
You can see my fitness. Write it. You are watching me. What will happen if I say it? I am on the ground. I am playing. I am playing wherever I can. My job is to just keep bowling.
Posts on X
Mohammed Shami looks fine. Takes throwdowns at the end of the day's play in Palam, Delhi. 15 wickets fall on Day 1 as Services finish 83/5, trailing Bengal by 101 runs. @ITGDsports #RanjiTrophy