Ranji Trophy 2025
Ajit AgarkarBCCI Selection ControversyMohammed Shami

Shami’s Historic 8-Wicket Haul: A Shocking Answer to Ajit Agarkar’s Fitness Claims in Ranji Trophy

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 1 month ago | Oct 30, 2025 10:32 am IST
Shami's Historic 8-Wicket Haul: A Shocking Answer to Ajit Agarkar's Fitness Claims in Ranji Trophy

Mohammed Shami just let his bowling do the talking. In a fiery response to a public spat over his fitness with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, the veteran pacer delivered a masterclass performance for Bengal, claiming an 8-wicket haul to secure a stunning victory against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy on October 28, 2025.

Key Takeaways

  • Mohammed Shami secured a match-winning 8-wicket haul for Bengal.
  • The performance follows a public fitness row with chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
  • BCCI dispatched selector RP Singh to Kolkata to mediate the dispute.
  • Bengal’s coach declared Shami is ‘completely fit and in top rhythm’.
  • Shami initially said ‘You made me the villain’ before calling it a ‘misunderstanding’.

The Fitness Feud Heats Up

This wasn’t just another cricket match. This was personal. For weeks, a debate raged after Ajit Agarkar publicly cited fitness concerns for Shami’s absence from the national team since the ICC Champions Trophy win in March. Shami didn’t stay silent, questioning how he could play domestic cricket if he were truly unfit. The tension was palpable.

Agarkar had challenged him to prove his match readiness. So what did Shami do? He stepped onto the hallowed turf of Eden Gardens and delivered an unforgettable performance that screamed he was ready for any challenge. It was a direct, powerful message sent without uttering a single word.

An 8-Wicket Answer on the Pitch

Forget the off-field drama for a moment. Shami’s bowling was simply sensational. He ripped through the Gujarat batting lineup not once, but twice, finishing with incredible match figures of 8 wickets for 82 runs (3/44 and 5/38). He was unplayable. His rhythm was perfect, his pace was blistering, and his skill was undeniable.

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Thanks to his heroic spell, Bengal crushed Gujarat by a massive 141-run margin. And while left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed was surprisingly named Player of the Match, everyone knew who the real architect of the victory was. Shami didn’t just win a match for his state; he made a national statement.

Expert Analysis: BCCI Steps In

The performance and the escalating war of words forced the BCCI to intervene. The board dispatched newly appointed Central Zone selector RP Singh to Kolkata for a ‘lengthy’ discussion with Shami on October 27, a clear attempt to de-escalate the situation. The message was clear: this public feud had to stop.

Bengal’s head coach, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, offered his unwavering support. ‘Mohammed Shami doesn’t need a certificate from anyone,’ Shukla declared to the media. ‘His bowling is the certificate. He’s completely fit and in top rhythm.’ The backing from his domestic camp was absolute and unequivocal.

Social Media Storm: ‘You Made Me the Villain’

After the match, an emotional Shami finally addressed the controversy. ‘You people have already made me the villain!’ he exclaimed, revealing the personal toll the public scrutiny had taken. It was a raw, honest moment that resonated with fans across social media, who rallied behind the star pacer.

However, by the next day, Shami adopted a more conciliatory tone, perhaps after the discussion with RP Singh, labeling the entire episode a ‘misunderstanding.’ But the damage was done, and the message was sent. Can the selectors possibly ignore a performance this dominant?

With this incredible display of skill and fire, has Mohammed Shami bowled his way back into the Indian squad? The selection committee now has a very difficult decision to make.