Mohammed Shami Strong Comeback in Bengal Squad for SMAT 2025-26
Shami Proves Fitness with Strong Ranji Trophy Performance
Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been named in Bengal’s squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26, marking a strong comeback after months of recovery. So let’s have a look at Mohammed Shami Strong Comeback in Bengal Squad.
Shami, who last played for India in March 2025, faced questions surrounding his fitness. However, he answered them emphatically during the first phase of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, where he took 20 wickets in seven innings at an exceptional economy of 2.56 and a strike rate of 43.00.
His performances included 15 wickets across the first two matches, helping Bengal secure victories over Uttarakhand and Gujarat. Playing four out of five Ranji matches, Shami has demonstrated full match readiness and is pushing for a return to the national setup.
Bengal Name 17-Member Squad Led by Abhimanyu Easwaran
The Cricket Association of Bengal announced a 17-member squad featuring a blend of exciting young talent and experienced match-winners.
Abhimanyu Easwaran will captain the side, while Shami will share fast-bowling duties with fellow national pacer Akash Deep.
Other notable squad members include Abhishek Porel, Sudip Gharami, Shakir Habib Gandhi, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Pradipta Pramanik.
Bengal Placed in Group C
Bengal will compete in Group C of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26. Their tournament begins on November 26 in Hyderabad, with the opening fixture against Baroda.
Other teams in the group include:
- Punjab
- Himachal Pradesh
- Services
- Puducherry
- Haryana
Bengal will look to capitalize on Mohammed Shami’s experience and recent form to start their campaign with momentum.
Delhi Make Unusual Changes; Exclude LSG Hero
Meanwhile, Delhi also announced their squad for the competition, led by Nitish Rana, not Ayush Badoni as many had expected.
A surprising decision saw Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi excluded, with no official reason provided.
The squad features experienced players such as Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Harshit Rana , and wicketkeeper Anuj Rawat. Promising youngster Priyansh Arya, who debuted in Ranji Trophy this year, is also included.
Bengal Squad for SMAT 2025-26
- Abhimanyu Easwaran (C)
- Sudip Gharami
- Abhishek Porel (WK)
- Shakir Habib Gandhi (WK)
- Yuvraj Keswani
- Priyanshu Srivastav
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Pradipta Pramanik
- Writtick Chatterjee
- Karan Lal
- Saksham Chaudhary
- Mohammed Shami
- Akash Deep
- Sayan Ghosh
- Kanishk Seth
- Yudhajit Guha
- Shreyan Chakraborty
Delhi Squad for SMAT 2025-26
- Nitish Rana (C)
- Priyansh Arya
- Sarthak Ranjan
- Ayush Badoni
- Arpit Rana
- Ayush Doseja
- Mayank Rawat
- Tejasvi
- Anuj Rawat
- Himmat Singh
- Yash Dhull
- Simarjeet Singh
- Rahul Dagar
- Yash Bhatia
- Ankit Kumar
- Harsh Tyagi
- Suyash Sharma
- Prince Yadav
- Mani Grewal
- Rohan Rana
- Dhruv Kaushik
- Aryan Rana
- Vaibhav Kandpal
Shami Eyes India Comeback
Despite strong domestic performances, Shami was overlooked for the white-ball series against Australia and the ongoing Test series versus South Africa.
With Shami now fully match-fit and in top rhythm, his inclusion in upcoming national squads could be on the horizon.
For Bengal, his return couldn’t be more timely as they look to mount a serious challenge for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title.
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