Mohammed Shami sends message to selectors with 4th T20 four-fer
What's the story
Mohammed Shami, India's veteran pacer, has been ignored by national selectors due to fitness issues. However, the seasoned bowler has been proving his mettle in domestic cricket. In his latest outing for Bengal against Services in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shami claimed four wickets for just 13 runs in 3.2 overs. This performance comes a day after the T20I squad for a five-match series against South Africa was announced without him. Notably, Bengal went on to win the match against Services.
Match details
Shami's impressive bowling figures in recent match
In the Round 5 match against Services, Shami struck on the first ball after Bengal won the toss and opted to bowl. He dismissed Gaurav Kochar for a golden duck and then removed Ravi Chauhan, who had scored 26 off nine balls, in his second over. Shami returned to bowl during the closing stages of the innings and dismissed Nakul Sharma (32 off 23 balls) in the 17th over.
Performance impact
Shami's performance amid India's ODI struggles
Shami's stellar performance comes at a time when India failed to defend 358 against South Africa in the second ODI in Raipur. Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has also questioned Shami's exclusion from the ODI team. He said he doesn't understand why Shami isn't playing and emphasized that while Prasidh Krishna is a good bowler, he still has a lot to learn.
Career update
Shami's last international appearance and future prospects
Shami's last international appearance was in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. He had made a T20I comeback against England earlier this year. Despite a three-wicket haul in his previous T20I match, he hasn't played another T20I this year. As Shami continues to shine in domestic cricket, fans and experts alike are left wondering when he will be given another chance at the international level.
Information
Shami averages 15.15 in his SMAT career
With this four-fer, Shami has raced to 219 wickets in T20s from 181 matches at 24.86. This was his 4th four-fer in T20s. As per ESPNcricinfo, 59 of his T20 scalps have come in SMAT from 35 career matches at just 15.15. This was his 2nd SMAT four-fer.
Performance
Shami has been amongst the wickets for Bengal across formats
Shami has looked solid in the ongoing domestic season. The veteran pacer has picked 20 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy from 4 matches at an average of 18.60. In SMAT 2025, Shami has collected 9 wickets from 5 matches at 19.44. His economy rate is on the higher side though.