New Delhi: Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami was notably absent from Bengal’s playing XI in their second-round Elite Group C Ranji Trophy clash against Services at the Palam A Stadium. His sudden exclusion on Sunday immediately sparked rumours regarding his fitness, especially coming closely on the heels of his non-selection for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand.
However, Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla quickly stepped in to dismiss all injury-related speculations, clarifying that the 36-year-old pacer was simply given a much-needed break to manage his workload.
Shukla confirmed that the senior bowler himself requested to sit out the fixture. “Shami is fully fit, he has been rested. He bowled a lot of overs against Delhi and he asked for a rest himself. He is a cheetah. His resting gives us an opportunity to try out new bowlers,” the Bengal head coach stated, putting to rest the chatter surrounding Shami’s physical condition.
Shami had delivered a strenuous and highly impressive spell in Bengal’s opening Ranji match against Delhi in Kalyani. Showcasing exceptional rhythm in his bid to return to the national setup, he registered spectacular figures of 4 for 30 in 17.3 overs, which included nine maidens.
The Bengal team management is currently navigating a depleted pace battery. Alongside Shami’s voluntary rest, the team is also missing the services of premier fast bowlers Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep. Both pacers have been named in the India ‘A’ squad for the upcoming three-match unofficial Test series in New Zealand and are unavailable for domestic duties.
In the absence of the frontline trio, the responsibility of leading the Bengal pace attack has fallen on the shoulders of Shami’s younger brother, Mohammed Kaif. To bolster the bowling lineup, the team management has also drafted in all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal.
Regarding the match proceedings, the Bengal batting order faltered on the opening day, getting bundled out for a modest 184, with captain Abhimanyu Easwaran top-scoring with 56. In response, Services found themselves in a precarious position, struggling at 83 for 5 by stumps.