No Mohammed Shami in Bengal Ranji Trophy squad for next two rounds; Wriddhiman Saha announces retirement | Cricket News
India pacer Mohammed Shami’s return to competitive cricket has been further delayed after he was not named in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy squad for the next two rounds in Bengaluru and Indore.
Shami, 34, has been out of competitive action since India’s ODI World Cup final defeat in Ahmedabad last November and was slated for a return this week through the Ranji Trophy. Not named in India’s 18-member Border Gavaskar Trophy squad, Shami was eyeing game time with Bengal in the fourth and fifth round of the Ranji Trophy, against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh respectively.
“We are hopeful that Shami will join us for games against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh,” Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla had told The Indian Express last week.
“He is a valuable player for India and the team his service will be required for the Australia series. Recently, he mentioned how keen he is about playing a couple of Ranji games for Bengal before travelling to Australia. Good outings in the Ranji Trophy will be good for him ahead of the Australia tour and will be a big boost for us our four key players are playing for India and India A,” said Shukla.
Shami had undergone surgery in London in February. He was tipped to make a comeback for the Test series at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand but suffered another setback through a swollen knee, which delayed his return.
Wriddhiman Saha to retire after Ranji season
Meanwhile, India wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha announced his retirement from professional cricket on Sunday, confirming that he will hang up his boots after the Ranji Trophy season with Bengal.
Saha, who turned 40 last month, has represented India in 40 Tests and 9 ODIs. “After a cherished journey in cricket, this season will be my last. I am honoured to represent Bengal one final time, playing only in the Ranji Trophy before I retire,” Saha wrote on X. “Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible ride, your support has meant the world. Let’s make this season one to remember,” he added.
