Bengal’s head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla has put his weight behind Mohammed Shami to make a comeback into the Indian team. Shami last played for India in the Champions Trophy but he has failed to get regular chances across all formats due to fitness issues.

However, the experienced seamer is shining in the ongoing Ranji Trophy for his state. Shami is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing Ranji Trophy as he has scalped 15 wickets in two matches for Bengal at an impressive average of 10.47.

The Bengal pacer returned with figures of 3-44 and 5-38 in the Ranji Trophy clash against Gujarat and played a key role in his team’s 141-run win. 

Shami had also scalped seven wickets in the opening game against Uttarakhand and was awarded Player of the Match.

“The world has seen what Mohammed Shami is. If you see his earlier run-up and now, after taking 500 wickets, both are the same. That’s his greatness. He doesn’t need anyone’s certificate. He will come back to the Indian team. He is fit from every angle,” Shukla was quoted as saying by Sportstar on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Bengal pacer had an incredible run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, picking 24 wickets in seven matches but he was ruled out of action after suffering an ankle injury. Subsequently, Shami remained on the sidelines as he faced issues with his knee.

“The time of the injury (after the 2023 World Cup) comes back to my memory again and again. I was in a lot of pain, went through rehab and returned to competitive cricket. I feel as healthy as ever. I still have a lot of cricket left in me. After the surgery, everything seemed to be over. Now I feel relieved,” Shami said.

Bengal will next take on Tripura from Saturday onwards.