He’s taken 170 domestic wickets, scored over 1,200 runs, and just smashed a gritty 91 in the Ranji Trophy—but Mumbai all-rounder Shams Mulani remains on the outside looking in, having been left out of India ‘A’ squads for recent multi-day fixtures. Yet, instead of bitterness, the 27-year-old left-arm spinner is doubling down on his craft.
“My job is to perform,” Mulani told reporters after his latest Ranji innings. “Selection will take its own course.”
Shams Mulani: The Overlooked Workhorse of Indian Domestic Cricket
In an era where IPL stardom often fast-tracks players to national honors, Mulani represents a different breed: the consistent, unsung domestic warrior. Playing for Mumbai—a team known for its ruthless standards and stacked talent pool—he’s quietly built one of the most balanced resumes in Indian first-class cricket.
Since his debut in 2018, Mulani has been a linchpin for Mumbai, excelling in both departments:
- Bowling: 170 wickets at an average of 24.62
- Batting: 1,248 runs at 32.84, including two centuries
- Recent Form: 91 against Baroda in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy opener
Why Is He Still Missing from India ‘A’?
Despite his numbers—and Mumbai’s repeated success—Mulani hasn’t been named in any India ‘A’ red-ball squad since 2023. Analysts speculate that selectors may view him as a “holding” spinner rather than a wicket-taking threat on flat Indian pitches, or that his batting—though reliable—isn’t explosive enough for modern all-rounder benchmarks.
But those who’ve watched him closely disagree.
“Shams controls the game like few others,” said former Mumbai captain Ajit Agarkar. “He builds pressure, rotates the strike with his bat, and never gives the opposition a free ball. In overseas conditions, he’d be gold.”
A Mindset Built for the Long Haul
Rather than dwell on snubs, Mulani has immersed himself in self-improvement. He’s been working on increasing his pace through the crease, developing a sharper arm ball, and adding power to his lower-order hitting.
“Every match is an audition,” he said. “Not just for selectors—but for myself. If I keep raising my standards, opportunities can’t stay away forever.”
By the Numbers: Shams Mulani vs. Other Domestic All-Rounders (Last 3 Seasons)
| Player | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Runs | Batting Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shams Mulani | 170 | 24.62 | 1,248 | 32.84 |
| Rahul Tripathi | 12 | 48.33 | 2,103 | 46.73 |
| Shahbaz Ahmed | 142 | 26.18 | 1,890 | 38.57 |
| Karn Sharma | 158 | 27.91 | 1,102 | 29.81 |
While not the flashiest name, Mulani’s balance is rare—only Shahbaz Ahmed comes close in dual-impact consistency.
The Path Forward
With India’s Test squad increasingly focused on overseas tours—where spinners who can bat are invaluable—Mulani’s profile fits the bill. The upcoming series in England and Australia could be his window.
For now, he remains grounded. “I don’t chase headlines,” he said with a quiet smile. “I chase wickets. I chase runs. The rest? That’s not in my hands.”
But if history is any guide, persistence like Mulani’s rarely goes unrewarded.
Sources
Shams Mulani: ‘My job is to perform, selection will take its own course’, The Times of India, October 16, 2025.