Indian pacer Mohammed Shami shined on his first-class cricket return as Bengal secured a crucial victory against Madhya Pradesh to climb in the points table. The thrilling match ended with Shami’s success.

After picking four wickets during Madhya Pradesh’s first innings, Mohammed Shami took three wickets in the fourth innings. 

Chasing the 338-run target in the fourth innings, Madhya Pradesh started the fourth day at 150/3.

Mohammed Shami started the fourth day with a wicket

While Shami took one wicket last day by dismissing Anubhav Agarwal (2), he started the final day of the match with a wicket. On the third ball of the day, Shami bowled Rajat Patidar for 32 runs. 

Soon, Shami’s brother Mohammed Kaif took the wicket of Harpreet Singh (7). 

Middle-orders and lower-middle orders frustrated Bengal

Struggling at 161/5, Madhya Pradesh returned to the game with the sixth wicket partnership between the skipper Shubham Sharma (61) and Venkatesh Iyer (53). While both scored half-centuries, they had a partnership of 94 runs.   

However, Madhya Pradesh were under pressure once again after the dismissals of captain Sharma and Iyer in two consecutive overs without adding any runs. 

Aryan Pandey and Saransh Jain frustrated the visitors Bengal as they had a 62-run partnership for the seventh wicket. While Madhya Pradesh were 21 runs away from victory with three wickets in hand, Shahbaz Ahmed and Shami destroyed the hosts' hope by sharing the last three wickets.

Shahbaz dismissed the set batters and Shami took the match-winning wicket

While Shahbaz dismissed both Pandey (22) and Jain (32), Shami took the last wicket by taking the wicket of Kumar Kartikeya (6) as Bengal won by 11 runs. With this win, Bengal climbed the Elite Group C points table with 14 points after five matches. 

Shami also had valuable contribution with the bat

Shami not only took seven wickets, but he also scored quickfire 37 runs off 36 balls with the help of two fours and two sixes in Bengal’s second innings, which proved valuable for the visitors. Before he was stumped out, he had a 29-run last-wicket partnership with his brother Mohammed Kaif.

It is great news for Indian cricket fans as Shami has proved his fitness. While the beginning of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 is less than a week away, we can see fit Shami in the crucial away Test series. 

Anshul Kamboj, Haryana’s fast-bowling sensation, made headlines with an extraordinary performance in the Ranji Trophy, capturing all ten wickets in an innings against Kerala. The third bowler to achieve this rare feat in the tournament's history, Kamboj’s incredible haul of 10 for 49 at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Stadium in Lahli not only etched his name in the annals of Ranji history but also marked the best bowling figures by a Haryana bowler. This achievement places him in an elite club of Indian bowlers who have taken all ten wickets in a first-class cricket innings, an accomplishment previously achieved by only a few.

Anshul Kamboj’s ten-wicket magic makes history in Ranji Trophy

The feat was achieved on the third day of the fifth round of the 2024-25 season. Kamboj, needing just two more wickets at the start of the day, completed his spell with figures of 30.1-9-49-10, surpassing Joginder Sharma’s long-standing Haryana record of 8 for 24 set in 2004-05. Besides Kamboj, the only other bowlers to take all ten wickets in an innings in Ranji history are Bengal’s Premangsu Chatterjee in the 1956-57 season and Rajasthan’s Pradeep Sunderam in 1985-86.

1⃣ innings 🤝 1⃣0⃣ wickets 👏

Historic Spell 🙌

3⃣0⃣.1⃣ overs
9⃣ maidens
4⃣9⃣ runs
1⃣0⃣ wickets 🔥

Watch 📽️ Haryana Pacer Anshul Kamboj's record-breaking spell in the 1st innings against Kerala 👌👌#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/RcNP3NQJ2y

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) November 15, 2024

From small-town beginnings to big achievements

Born in the boxing hub of Karnal, Haryana, Kamboj’s path to cricket was unconventional. Growing up playing in open fields, it wasn’t until he was 14 that he took the game seriously. Kamboj’s journey to the Haryana team and beyond, including a stint with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, is a testament to his dedication and skill. After narrowly missing a chance with India’s Under-19 squad, his breakthrough came as he emerged as the third-highest wicket-taker in Haryana’s successful Vijay Hazare Trophy run, capturing 17 wickets across ten games.

Kamboj’s stellar performance has been building for months. Earlier in the season, playing for India C in the Duleep Trophy, he recorded figures of 8 for 69, claiming wickets of prominent domestic players like Sarfaraz Khan, Rinku Singh, and N Jagadeesan. His form continued at the T20 Asia Cup, where he was part of the India Emerging squad and played a match-winning role against Pakistan Shaheens.

This recent 10-wicket achievement adds to Kamboj’s already impressive resume and could raise his profile in the upcoming IPL mega auction, especially after he just missed an uncapped retention with Mumbai Indians.

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Kamboj’s consistent form throughout the year and his recent record-breaking performance have made him one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket. With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching, the 10-wicket feat serves as a timely reminder of Kamboj’s potential. As an uncapped player, his skill and resilience make him one of the most sought-after bowlers, especially among teams looking to strengthen their bowling lineup.

In total, only six Indian players have claimed ten wickets in a single first-class innings, with Kamboj now joining the ranks of legends like Anil Kumble, who famously achieved a similar feat in a Test match. As the Ranji season unfolds, Kamboj’s journey stands as an inspiration for young cricketers, proving that grit and determination can lead to historic achievements on the field.

Mohammed Shami marked his Ranji Trophy comeback with a superb four-wicket haul for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh, a performance that has reignited hopes of his inclusion in India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Shami's fiery spell helped Bengal restrict MP to a modest first-innings score of 167, giving Bengal a crucial 61-run lead on Day 2. With his pace, movement, and trademark accuracy, Shami made a strong case for his potential return to the Indian lineup ahead of the high-stakes series.

Shami’s four-wicket burst powers Bengal to first Innings advantage

Returning to the domestic stage with a point to prove, India’s pace ace Mohammed Shami unleashed his signature seam and swing to dismantle Madhya Pradesh’s lineup in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match. Shami’s impressive figures of 4/54 in 19 overs highlighted his ability to extract both movement and pace, a critical factor in restricting MP to just 167 runs in their first innings. Bengal gained a 61-run lead by lunch on Day 2, thanks to Shami’s fiery spell, which featured well-placed bouncers, searing yorkers, and disciplined line and length, keeping the opposition on the back foot throughout.

Shami’s accuracy and control left MP’s top and middle order in shambles. He delivered a consistent pace attack with a remarkable economy of just 2.80, proving his ability to handle high-pressure situations even after a period away from the international spotlight. While Bengal’s bowlers capitalized on Shami’s breakthrough performance, the veteran pacer’s potential return to the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could add further depth to India’s pace attack, especially on Australia’s fast, bouncy tracks.

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Border-Gavaskar Trophy hopes rest on Shami’s impressive Ranji show

Shami’s availability for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia remains a pressing question for the Indian team. Initially omitted from the BGT squad due to fitness concerns, Shami’s selection was withheld to ensure that he would be fully prepared for the challenging Australian conditions. Team India captain Rohit Sharma had commented on this decision, saying they wanted a fully fit Shami, avoiding any risk with an “undercooked” bowler in a critical series.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy slated to begin on November 22 in Perth, a venue known for its pace-friendly pitch, Shami’s form and fitness become even more crucial. The Indian team has relied heavily on its pace arsenal in recent years, and Shami’s experience in handling high-bounce wickets makes him an asset that could complement India’s lineup alongside other frontline seamers.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has publicly stated that Shami’s bowling style is well-suited for Australia’s conditions, especially in Perth and Adelaide, where his ability to exploit the pace and bounce could be invaluable. Shami’s Ranji performance has sparked conversations about a possible call-up, and his inclusion could address a potential gap in India’s pace lineup for the high-stakes series against Australia.

India’s supporters and cricket pundits alike will be watching Shami’s domestic performances with keen interest, as his potential return could boost India’s campaign in Australia, where the team will face one of its most challenging tours. If Shami proves his form and resilience in this Ranji match, he might just find himself on a flight to Australia, ready to take on the world’s best in the iconic Border-Gavaskar series.

India’s pace sensation Mohammed Shami is set to make his comeback to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy following an extended recovery from an Achilles heel injury. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) confirmed Shami's return, stating that he will feature in Bengal’s match against Madhya Pradesh, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 13, in Indore. Shami’s return comes as a positive development for Indian cricket, especially with a high-stakes Test series against Australia on the horizon.

Shami’s road to recovery and rehabilitation

Shami, who last appeared for India in the ICC World Cup final in Ahmedabad in November 2023, has had a long journey to recovery. His injury began with an Achilles heel issue that required surgical intervention, sidelining him for several months. Unfortunately, his rehabilitation process was further delayed when he experienced swelling in his knee, keeping him out of action longer than initially anticipated. However, the pacer remained proactive, conducting several practice sessions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to monitor his fitness and regain form.

The Cricket Association of Bengal expressed optimism about Shami’s fitness, with officials confirming his readiness to join Bengal’s Ranji Trophy squad. "We are thrilled to have Shami back. His recovery and rehab have gone well, and this match will be a great opportunity to gauge his fitness in a competitive setting," a CAB official said.

A boost for India ahead of the Australia tour

Shami’s return to form could come at an ideal time for India, as they prepare for an intense five-Test series against Australia beginning on November 22. Although Shami has not been named in the initial Test squad, India’s management may consider his inclusion if he proves his fitness in the Ranji Trophy. Last month, Indian captain Rohit Sharma hinted at this possibility, expressing hope that Shami would be fit for a part of the Australia tour.

Shami’s skill set makes him a valuable addition, especially in Australian conditions where fast bowlers are often critical. His experience and proven track record could provide a significant advantage to India if he is able to participate. The Test series in Australia is part of the World Test Championship cycle, and India will be keen to field their best possible lineup to secure crucial points. With a successful outing in the Ranji Trophy, Shami might just earn a late spot in the squad if his fitness levels remain steady.

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Ranji Trophy return mark a new chapter

For Shami, the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh is not just a test of physical fitness but a chance to reestablish himself in competitive cricket. Fans and selectors alike will be watching closely to see how he performs after the long layoff. His return is highly anticipated, not only by the Indian selectors but also by cricket enthusiasts who are keen to see one of India’s finest pacers back in action.

Veteran India wicket-keeper batter Wriddhiman Saha has announced that the 2024-25 Ranji season will be his last. On the sidelines of Bengal's match against Karnataka in Bengaluru, he shared that his original plan was to walk away after last season, but then two people asked him to carry on - Sourav Ganguly and his wife.

"I wasn't going to play this year. But Sourav Ganguly and my wife pushed me to play in Bengal this year," Saha said. "I played in Tripura for two years and then came to Bengal, and I am pushing for the last year. But this season, due to my body condition and injuries, I won't be able to play for the full season. So I chose the most vital format. It will still be tough, but I will play."

"I was already prepared that I won't even play this year" - Wriddhiman Saha on his IPL participation

However, Saha also confirmed that he is not one of those Indian players to put their name up for the upcoming mega IPL auction, thus ending his 17-year-long association with the league that started way back in 2008. However, Saha also revealed that the decision to bring down the curtains on his long career wasn't difficult at all.

"It was very easy for me. I was already prepared that I won't even play this year. I'd been prepared from last year itself that I wasn't going to play this year, but I've been pushed [to play on]. So I couldn't refuse them [his wife, and Ganguly]. When I started from Bengal last year, I played there again and there was an emotional attachment," Saha said.

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Wriddhiman Saha and Sourav Ganguly had a rift previously

Notably, the Siliguri-born cricketer had moved away to play two seasons for Tripura before returning to Bengal this season. Reflecting on his international career, Saha said that he was happy to always be a team player as well. However, Saha's association with Ganguly is not new. They also had a rift over a place in the Test squad previously as well. Reports also suggested that questions were raised if Sourav Ganguly is interfering in selection matters. Wriddhiman Saha's axing from the Indian Test squad for the home series against Sri Lanka made headlines as a shared private WhatsApp conversation revealed that and Saha told the media that Ganguly had "assured him a spot in the Test squad as long as he was BCCI boss".

"I could have played better. But I always thought about the team first. If I played a little for myself, which shouldn't happen, then the stats would have been better.

"But I played 40 Tests. I played on and off. I had injuries. But I came back. I am happy. I represented India for 17 years. I played in the IPL. I played in Bengal. It was all a good experience," Saha said. "There were a lot of innings where we were going to declare. If I hadn't been out for 3-4 overs... my average is around 30 [29.41], but it could have been 35. But I don't look at the stats. I always played for the team. I did the job I was supposed to do. If I was told to go out there and hit, then I've done that. In that process if I get out, I get out. But I played for the team, always," he added.

As far as his most memorable moment in his domestic career is concerned, he also hopes that it will arrive this season in the form of qualification for the finals.

"I've not been a [Ranji] champion. We won T20 and the one-dayers. We won the Duleep Trophy for two years. Those were good moments. But before I leave, if we qualify for the finals, it would be even better," he shared. "If I get an offer from another state or Bengal, I will think about it. If some associations think about it, then [yes]. I have been playing cricket since childhood. I haven't done anything else. I want to share as much knowledge as I have in cricket. I already take training in a few academies in my off-time so that experience [is there]. So if I get a job with the Bengal team or offers from any other state, then I'll consider it."

Jalaj Saxena, Kerala's seasoned all-rounder, has etched his name in the history books with a remarkable achievement during the Elite Group C fourth-round match of the 2024 Ranji Trophy. Saxena has become the first player ever to achieve the rare double of 6000 runs and 400 wickets in the prestigious domestic competition. This milestone came during the match between Kerala and Uttar Pradesh at St Xavier's College Ground in Thumba, Kerala.

Saxena reaches 6000 runs and 400 wickets

The 37-year-old Saxena made history in the ongoing match by completing 6000 runs in the Ranji Trophy. Having crossed the 6000-run mark in Kerala's previous match in Kolkata, Saxena achieved his 400th wicket during this game when he dismissed Uttar Pradesh's left-hander Nitish Rana. His sharp off-spin delivery resulted in Rana being stumped, marking the historic moment. This wicket also added to Saxena’s impressive tally, making him the 13th bowler in Ranji Trophy history to reach the 400-wicket milestone. The wicket was his 29th five-wicket haul in the prestigious tournament.

Saxena’s all-round prowess has been crucial for Kerala since he joined the team in the 2016-17 season. Over the years, he has firmly established himself as one of the best all-rounders in domestic cricket, and this milestone only adds to his illustrious career.

An impressive record in Indian domestic cricket

In the broader context of Indian domestic cricket, Saxena’s feats are unparalleled among active all-rounders. His ability to balance both bat and ball with equal skill puts him in an elite class alongside cricket legends like Vijay Hazare, Madan Lal, and Sunil Joshi. In the 2022-23 season, Saxena further cemented his legacy by becoming the fourth player in Indian domestic cricket history to score 9000 runs and take 600 wickets across all formats. He joined the ranks of iconic players such as Vinoo Mankad, Madan Lal, and Parvez Rasool in achieving this rare feat.

Saxena’s influence on Kerala’s cricket team has been immense, as he is now the second-highest wicket-taker in First-Class cricket for the state, behind only KN Ananthapadmanabhan. His leadership and consistent performances have contributed significantly to Kerala's success in recent seasons, and his remarkable milestones have earned him a reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in Indian cricket.

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With his unmatched consistency, leadership qualities, and remarkable achievements, Jalaj Saxena continues to set new standards in domestic cricket. His 6000 runs and 400 wickets milestone is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game, and it places him in a rare league of all-rounders who have made significant contributions to Indian cricket.

As Saxena continues to play at the highest level, his legacy is being firmly established in the history of Indian domestic cricket, where his name will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come. Saxena’s record not only highlights his individual brilliance but also showcases the importance of perseverance, skill, and hard work in achieving greatness in cricket.

Jalaj Saxena’s achievement of 6000 runs and 400 wickets in the Ranji Trophy is a milestone that speaks volumes about his consistency, skill, and all-round abilities. In a career spanning over a decade, Saxena has not only become a key player for Kerala but has also set a benchmark for future generations of cricketers. His name will forever be etched in the history of Indian domestic cricket, and his remarkable feat serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the country.

The BCCI has rejected the Cricket Association of Bengal's (CAB) request to postpone their two home matches due to the threat of Cyclone Dana threat. The CAB requested to postpone one game each of the Ranji Trophy in Kolkata and the Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy in Kalyani.

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The Senior Bengal side will take on Kerala in the third round of the Ranji Trophy at Jadavpur University Campus 2nd Ground. BCCI has kept a longer gap between the matches this season which gave hope to CAB getting the request approved. After the Bengal vs. Kerala match ends on October 29, Bengal will have nearly a week off before their next game against Karnataka, which starts on November 6 in Bengaluru. Same for Kerala as they will return home to face Uttar Pradesh in the fourth round at Thumba.

The Bengal Under-23 side will take on the Railways Under-23 side from 27 to 30 October at Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani where the Bengal versus Bihar Ranji Trophy game was completely washed out due to constant rain. Their next fixture is scheduled from 8 November to 11 against Vidarbha in Nagpur which is also a one-week gap.

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The Bengal side will miss the services of Abhimanyu Easwaran, Abhishek Porel, and Mukesh Kumar for the next couple of rounds in the Ranji Trophy as they have been picked for India A side for the Australia Tour. India A are scheduled to play Australia A in two four-day matches in Mackay from October 31 to November 3 and in Melbourne from November 7 to 10. They will then play the India squad in a warm-up match in Perth from November 15 to 17 before the first Test against Australia begins on November 22.

Abhimanyu, 29, has been part of India's Test squad previously - in Bangladesh in 2022 - and he has been in superb form this domestic season, scoring two hundreds in the Duleep Trophy, and another century in the Irani Trophy. Even Pacer Mukesh Kumar looked in fine form as he picked 6 wickets in their Ranji Trophy game against Uttar Pradesh. He picked up 5fer as well in Irani Trophy against Mumbai.

Prithvi Shaw, once considered one of India's brightest cricketing talents, has been dropped from the Mumbai side for Round 3 of the Ranji Trophy. Shaw, who had a successful season last year, winning the prestigious Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup, has been "rested" by the Mumbai team, reportedly due to disciplinary reasons. The batter reacted by posting on Instagram that he was taking a break, leaving fans and critics questioning the state of his career.

This latest development comes after Shaw's recent poor performances in the Ranji Trophy and a string of off-field controversies that have affected his career progression.

Struggles with form and disciplinary issues

Prithvi Shaw has played just two matches in the current Ranji season, scoring a meager 7 and 12 against Baroda and 1 and 39* against Maharashtra. Despite his poor form, media reports indicate that Shaw was irregular in attending Mumbai's practice sessions, raising concerns about his discipline and commitment to improving his game. Mumbai's decision to drop him from the squad has been viewed as a disciplinary move, although officially he has been "rested."

Shaw’s response, a brief statement on social media about taking a break, has left his fans speculating about what lies ahead for the young cricketer.

Off-field controversies overshadowing talent

Prithvi Shaw's career has been marred by multiple off-field controversies. One of the most publicized incidents occurred in February 2023 when Shaw was involved in an altercation with fans over a selfie. The situation escalated into a scuffle, and the fan's friends attacked Shaw's friend's car. This incident led to police charges against eight individuals and highlighted Shaw’s struggles with managing fame and public interactions.

Another significant setback was Shaw’s eight-month doping ban in 2019. After testing positive for a banned substance during the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shaw claimed the substance was consumed unknowingly through a cough syrup. Despite the explanation, the doping ban severely damaged his reputation and forced him out of competitive cricket for months.

Shaw’s fitness has also been called into question, particularly when he failed the Yo-Yo fitness test ahead of the 2022 IPL, further tarnishing his image. Adding to his list of troubles, he was caught breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules in May 2021, which again invited public criticism.

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Despite his undeniable talent, Prithvi Shaw’s off-field controversies and inconsistent performances have overshadowed his cricketing achievements. His promising Test debut century against West Indies in 2018 now seems a distant memory, with his career appearing to stagnate. While his Instagram post suggests he is taking a break, the future remains uncertain for the young opener, whose personal issues continue to hinder his progress.

Shaw's fans hope that he can regain his form, refocus on his career, and put the controversies behind him. Only time will tell if Shaw can overcome these challenges and fulfill his potential as one of India’s cricketing stars.

Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara smashed his 25th Ranji Trophy century in the second round for Saurashtra against Chattisgarh in Rajkot. Batting on Monday, Pujara reached his ton in 197 balls as Saurashtra pursued Chattisgarh’s 578/7d first-innings total as well. However, Pujara scored his 66th First-Class century, surpassing Brian Lara’s tally in the format as well.

Mumbai and Maharashtra are currently playing in the Ranji Trophy match where both the Indian batters Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad made headlines with their respective centuries. While Iyer scored one yesterday (142 off 190), Gaikwad smashed a hundred on Sunday, giving a strong message to the selectors for his selection in the Test squad as well.

However, with this, he has smashed his seventh century in First-Class cricket. Gaikwad reached the three-figure mark on Day 3 of the match at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC, Mumbai. The Maharashtra captain helped his side to steady in the middle after they lost Siddhesh Veer early in the game. Notably, Mumbai were bowled out for 441 in the first innings as well.

Ruturaj Gaikwad shines with the bat

Notably, Gaikwad has 14 half-centuries to his name so far. In 35 matches, the veteran Maharashtra batter has scored past 2,400 runs in red-ball cricket as well. He scored at an average of over 43. Gaikwad, who has represented India in six ODIs and 23 T20Is, is yet to feature in the longer format as well.

Moreover, Gaikwad has been in good form recently. He led the Rest of India in the Irani Cup against Mumbai and also started off the Ranji Trophy with 86 against Jammu & Kashmir before being dismissed for a duck in the next match against Mumbai as well. 

R D Gaikwad 101 runs in 87 balls (14x4, 2x6) Maharashtra 176/1 #MUMvMAH #RanjiTrophy #Elite Scorecard:https://t.co/l7QWZwMQUU

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) October 20, 2024

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Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to lead the India A team

Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to lead the India A team on the tour of Australia later this month as well. Apart from Gaikwad, the 15-man squad includes other batters like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan. Moreover, India will likely need to name a reserve Test opener for the Australia series, considering Rohit Sharma set to miss one of the first two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for personal reasons as well.

The matches against Australia A could give match practice, or act as an audition, for a few of the backup players likely to be added to the Test squad and it could be helpful for Gaikwad as well.