Mohammed Shami sent a strong message to the selectors, at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani. He picked up 8 wickets for 90 runs against Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy semi-final. It was a spell full of pace, control and late swing. The old rhythm was back. The intensity was clear.

Playing for Bengal, Shami struck early. Jammu and Kashmir were reduced to 13/3 on Day 2. He used the morning moisture well. The ball moved both ways. The seam position was perfect. He attacked the top order and broke their backbone.

There was some resistance. Abdul Samad scored 82. Captain Paras Dogra made 58. They tried to rebuild. But every time Jammu and Kashmir looked settled, Shami returned. He broke partnerships. He cleaned up the tail on Day 3. He finished with match-defining figures of 8/90.

Earlier, Bengal had posted 328 in the first innings. Sudip Kumar Gharami led the charge with a superb 146. That total gave Bengal control. Shami made sure the advantage counted.

This performance came at an important time. Shami has been out of the national side since the 2023 ODI World Cup due to injury and fitness concerns. He has been working his way back through domestic cricket. Earlier this season, he took five-wicket hauls against Gujarat and Services. But this eight-wicket burst was louder than anything before.

The message to the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is simple. Shami is fit. Shami is ready.

India have important Test assignments coming up in 2026, including a possible tour of England. The team management now has a positive selection headache. Shami showed he can bowl long spells. He maintained pace. He extracted bounce. He looked prepared for the demands of five-day cricket again.

As Bengal pushed for a place in the Ranji Trophy final, the spotlight has shifted. It is no longer just about the semi-final. It is about Shami’s return. If the selectors wanted proof that he can lead India’s attack once more, this was it.