Mohammad Shami’s coach takes dig at BCCI’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar after defeating Gujarat in Ranji Trophy: ‘Doesn’t need certificate from…’
The Bengal head coach scolded BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar after the star pacer defeated Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy Group C match at the Eden Gardens.
Bengal head coach and former India all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla has come out in strong support of senior pacer Mohammed Shami. Shukla stated that Shami does not need anyone’s approval to prove his worth. This comment came after Shami’s match-winning performance that led Bengal to a 141-run victory against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy Group C match at the Eden Gardens.
What exactly did coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla tell Ajit Agarkar?
“Mohammed Shami does not need a certificate from anyone. He is a certificate in himself. He has the support of his fans, media and the biggest selector among them, the one who is right there (God),” Shukla said after the game, in what was seen as an indirect jibe at BCCI selector chairman Ajit Agarkar.
The statement emerged amid controversy over Shami’s omission from the Indian team due to the ongoing white-ball series in Australia despite having a strong record both at home and abroad.
Muhammad Shami beat Gujarat in Ranji Trophy
Experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami reminded everyone of his enduring quality by delivering a match-winning performance. Shami took 5 wickets for 38 runs in Gujarat’s second innings and secured Bengal’s victory by 141 runs in the Ranji Trophy Group C encounter at the Eden Gardens.
Gujarat, who needed 327 points to win, lost by 185 points, while Urvil Patel scored 109 points. Shami had also taken 3 wickets for 44 runs in the first innings. All-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed took 6 wickets for 34 runs, giving Bengal a 112-run lead.
Magnificent performance by Mohammed Shami
Shami’s performance marked India’s first five-wicket haul in first-class cricket in four years, with the last one in the 2021 Test against South Africa. He has been among the top wicket-takers in the current Ranji Trophy season, taking 15 wickets at an average of 10.46.
Shami, who is recovering from his ankle injury, is working hard to return to international cricket. His absence from the Australia tour sparked public controversy, including a brief exchange between him and Agarkar.
The master pacer stated that he still has a lot of cricket talent left in him and prefers to focus on his performance rather than selection.
