Omission from the national team can be a crushing blow for any athlete. But for a seasoned campaigner like Mohammed Shami, it’s just fuel for the fire. Left out of India’s recent squads across formats, Shami has responded in the only way he knows how: by dominating on the field. His latest statement came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, where he produced a vintage performance that has the entire cricketing world talking.
The silence from the national selectors has been deafening for Mohammed Shami. After missing the T20 World Cup 2024 due to injury, hopes were high for his return . However, a series of squad announcements for both white-ball and red-ball cricket have seen his name conspicuously absent . This latest snub, coming just before the domestic T20 league, seemed to signal the twilight of his international career.
But Shami, a man known for his resilience and unflinching skill, wasn’t ready to go quietly. His response wasn’t in a press conference or a social media post; it was a brutal, 3.2-over demolition job on the Services batting lineup that left everyone asking the same question: How can you ignore this form? .
In a display of reverse-swinging mastery and pinpoint yorkers, Mohammed Shami was at his absolute best. His figures of 4 wickets for just 13 runs in 3.2 overs were nothing short of clinical . He ripped through the Services top and middle order with an economy rate that was well below four—an incredible feat in the high-scoring T20 format .
This wasn’t a one-off. Shami has now taken a remarkable 9 wickets in just 5 appearances in this edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, re-establishing himself as one of the tournament’s most lethal bowlers . He’s proving that despite the whispers about his fitness and age, his skill with the new and old ball remains a cut above the rest.
The reasons for Shami’s exclusion have been a subject of intense speculation. While an initial injury was the official cause for his World Cup 2024 miss, his continued absence from subsequent squads points to a deeper issue. Reports suggest a combination of concerns over his long-term fitness management and a strategic shift by the selectors towards a younger pace battery .
Former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh have publicly questioned the decision, especially after India’s bowling attacks have looked vulnerable in high-pressure situations . The selectors seem to be playing the long game, but performances like Shami’s in the SMAT are making that long game look increasingly short-sighted.
While Shami’s bowling stole the headlines, Bengal’s victory was a complete team effort, built on a foundation of explosive batting. The chase of 166 was set up by a blistering 93-run partnership for the second wicket between veteran Abhimanyu Easwaran and the young wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel .
Easwaran, who has been a consistent run-machine in domestic cricket, played a quickfire 58 off just 37 balls, looking to solidify his case ahead of the IPL auction .
Alongside him was Porel, a rising star who has already made his mark with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, scoring 661 runs in 31 matches . His 56 off 29 balls was a perfect counterpoint to Easwaran’s innings, showcasing the depth of talent in the Bengal side .
| Player | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | IPL Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhimanyu Easwaran | 58 | 37 | 156.75 | None (Uncapped) |
| Abhishek Porel | 56 | 29 | 193.10 | Delhi Capitals |
Shami’s 4/13 is more than just a good domestic performance; it’s a direct challenge to the selection committee’s narrative. With major events like the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, India cannot afford to ignore a bowler of Shami’s caliber and experience when he’s demonstrably fit and firing.
His ability to deliver in crunch moments has been proven time and again on the biggest stages. His current form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a timely reminder of that fact . The onus is now on the selectors to either provide a clear, public rationale for his continued exclusion or to finally open the doors for his comeback.
Mohammed Shami’s story is a powerful testament to the will of a true competitor. At a stage where many would have considered retirement, he’s choosing to fight, to prove his worth with the ball in hand. His 4 for 13 against Services isn’t just a set of statistics; it’s a strong, silent message that his career is far from over. As fans and pundits alike watch the selectors’ next move, one thing is certain: Shami has given them a performance they simply cannot ignore.
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