The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 not only offers a golden opportunity for new young players to break into the Indian international squad, but this tournament can also open the door for experienced players to make a comeback. This is especially true for players who have been consistently performing well in domestic cricket but haven't been able to secure a place in the Indian squad.

Mohammed Shami, who was once a leading bowler and wicket-taker for the Indian team, has been unable to secure a place in the Indian squad for the past few months. Shami played his last match for India in March 2025. He played his final match against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on March 9, 2025.

Recently, he took 20 wickets in four matches for Bengal in the First-Class Ranji Trophy, averaging 18. He also impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20 format), taking 16 wickets in 7 matches with an impressive average of 14. Based on this performance, he earned a place in the Bengal cricket team's playing XI for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26.

Playing for the Bengal cricket team in the VHT 2025-26, Shami took two crucial wickets against Vidarbha. He conceded 65 runs in 10 overs at an economy rate of 6.50, taking the wickets of opener Yash Rathod and middle-order batsman Shubham Dubey. If Shami continues to perform well in the upcoming matches, the day is not far when he might get a chance in the ODI squad against New Zealand, as India is currently in need of an experienced fast bowler.

Mohammed Shami – India Career Stats

T20 Internationals

Matches: 25

Wickets: 27

Bowling Average: ~28.19

Best Bowling: 3/15

Economy: ~8.95

Strike Rate: ~18.89

One-Day Internationals (ODIs)

Matches: 108

Wickets: 206

Bowling Average: ~24.05

Best Bowling in an Innings: 7/57 (vs NZ, World Cup)

Five-wi­ckets in an Innings: 6

Economy: ~5.58

Strike Rate: ~25.85

Mohammed Shami – Career International Stats (India)

Test Cricket

Matches: 64

Wickets: 229

Bowling Average: ~27.71

Best Bowling in an Innings: 6/56

Five-wi­ckets in an Innings: 6

Mohammed Shami – India Career Stats

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