Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla has dismissed concerns about Mohammed Shami’s fitness after the fast bowler missed the team’s second-round Ranji Trophy match against Services. Shukla said the pacer had requested rest after bowling a heavy workload against Delhi in the previous round.

The Pragyan Ojha-led selection committee left him out of India’s squad for the tour of New Zealand. The decision raised eyebrows despite his impressive performances in domestic cricket. Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled to the Indian team for the five-match T20I series against the BlackCaps.

Laxmi Ratan Shukla Dismisses Mohammed Shami’s Fitness Concerns

Speaking to reporters after the opening day’s play, Laxmi Ratan Shukla clarified that Mohammed Shami was rested for the match against Services. With Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar unavailable due to India A commitments, Bengal also had an opportunity to assess other bowling options.

“Shami is fit, he was rested. He bowled a lot of overs against Delhi last round. He himself asked to be rested. He is a cheetah. Shami resting also gives us options to try fresh faces,” Shukla said.

Shami had made an impressive start to his 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign against Delhi, taking four wickets for 30 runs in 17.3 overs, including nine maidens. His performance came amid questions about his fitness, but the pacer had already made his position clear after the match.

“You can see my fitness. Write it. You are watching me. What will happen if I say it? I am on the ground. I am playing. I am playing wherever I can. My job is to just keep bowling,” Shami had told reporters.

Mohammed Shami’s International Record and Ranji Trophy Form

Mohammed Shami has taken 229 wickets in 64 Tests and 206 wickets in 108 ODIs for India. He has not played Test cricket since the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, while his last appearance for India came in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

The fast bowler remained a key part of Bengal’s red-ball attack last season, claiming 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches at an average of 16.72, including three five-wicket hauls and best figures of eight for 90.

Shami’s omission has also revived the debate over his fitness and future with India. Former chief selector Ajit Agarkar had raised concerns about his physical condition and match readiness. In May 2026, Agarkar said the selectors had not discussed a Test comeback.

Bengal vs Services: 15 Wickets Fall on Opening Day

Mohammed Shami remained involved with the Bengal squad despite missing the match. He had lengthy discussions with the team physio during the day and had trained on the eve of the fixture.

After play, he practised batting against throwdowns near the sight screen and was also seen helping carry an ice box onto the ground.

Meanwhile, 15 wickets fell on the opening day at the Palam A Ground in New Delhi. Bengal elected to bat but were bowled out for 184, with captain Abhimanyu Easwaran top-scoring with 56. Their bowlers responded well, reducing Services to 83/5 at stumps and leaving them 101 runs behind.

Pradipta Pramanik and Aamir Gani took two wickets each for Bengal, while Shahbaz Ahmed claimed one. Bengal had begun their campaign with a win against Delhi, whereas Services entered the match after losing to Maharashtra.