Delhi: Fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been trying to make a comeback in the Indian team for a long time. However, he is not getting a chance. BCCI has also ignored Shami for the New Zealand tour, after which the discussion started once again regarding his fitness. Meanwhile, Shami remained out of Bengal's second match in Ranji Trophy 2026-27. However, Bengal coach Lakshmi Ratan Shukla has made it clear that Shami is fit and he himself had asked for rest from the match against Services.

Shami bowled brilliantly against Delhi in the first match of Ranji Trophy and took four wickets in the first innings. After this, his absence raised questions against the services. But Shukla's statement has revealed new information in this matter.

'Shami is fit, he himself had asked for rest'

Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla told on Sunday that Mohammed Shami is completely fit. He said that Shami had bowled a lot of overs in the last match, so he himself decided to rest.

Shukla said, 'Shami is fit.

He has been given rest. He had bowled a lot of overs in the last match and had himself asked for rest. He is like a leopard. By giving rest to Shami, we also get a chance to try new players.

The news of Shami being kept out of the Ranji match came just hours after he was not selected in the Indian team for the New Zealand tour. For this reason, questions started being raised regarding his selection and fitness.

Shami did not return to Team India after Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammed Shami last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Since then he has not been able to return to the Indian team. Concerns have been raised by the selectors about his fitness, while Shami himself has given his own opinion on this.

In such a situation, this statement of the Bengal coach is being considered important for the fast bowler. However, between being fit for domestic cricket and being selected for international cricket, the selectors will have to take a decision on his fitness and preparedness to play matches.