Mohammed Shami is missing from Bengal’s playing XI for their second-round Ranji Trophy 2026–27 Elite Group C match against Services at Palam A Ground in New Delhi. The fast bowler was seen walking gingerly before the toss after spending time with the team physio, raising concerns about his fitness.

Shami has also been left out of India’s squads for the upcoming Test and ODI series against New Zealand, with the selectors opting for other pace-bowling options. Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to the T20I setup for the five-match series against New Zealand, with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable.

Mohammed Shami OUT, Bengal Make Changes to Playing XI Against Services

Bengal’s management and medical staff rested Mohammed Shami as a precaution after he bowled more than 35 overs against Delhi in the previous match. The decision comes as the 36-year-old continues his comeback from injuries, with the team taking care not to overwork him.

Shami reportedly worked with the team physio before the toss to assess his movement. He later took part in a light workout and faced a few throwdowns during Bengal’s preparations.

Mohammad Shami not in the Bengal XI this round against Servics. Was walking gingerly around the field before the toss after a session with the physio. #RanjiTrophy https://t.co/m2LPsk3OE1

— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) October 18, 2026

Bengal are also without Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep, who are with the India A squad for the New Zealand series. In Shami’s absence, his younger brother Mohammed Kaif and pacer Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal have joined the attack, while all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed returns to the playing XI.

Bengal’s playing XI features Abhimanyu Easwaran (c), Ankur Paul, Sudip Kumar Gharami, Sudip Chatterjee, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sumanta Gupta, Abishek Porel (wk), Pradipta Pramanik, Aamir Gani, Mohammed Kaif and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal.