Mohammed Shami retaining full fitness is not only a great news for Indian team, for the IND vs AUS Tests, but also for GT, who did not retain him at the Oct 31 IPL Retentions. Shami, who had last played a competitive match back in 2023, during the World Cup, will finally make a comeback at the fifth round Ranji Trophy match between Bengal and MP.
IPL Auction Scenario for GT
That also paves the way for him to make a case for himself, for the AUS Tests, and also be RTMed by GT, during the IPL Auction 2025, slated to be held in Jeddah on Nov 24, 25. If Shami is actually able to prove his fitness, that will go a long way in GT deciding their rest of the players for IPL Auctions.
Mind you, he last played in the IPL in 2023 season. They showed the trust in him then, and there is no reason, why they won’t RTM him now. As a matter of fact, they have a purse of INR 69 Cr remaining, with one RTM card. While it could be a headache for the team management, between him and Mohit Sharma, but still, Shami might just win the race.
The 34-year-old has been going through a string of injuries and rehab for surgeries, but his delay from the field has only increased. Having said that, his record in the IPL remains excellent. In his last season in 2023, he played 17 matches and picked up 28 wickets for GT, at an economy rate of 8.03. Overall, in 110 matches he has 127 wickets to his name. So without any doubt, he will be an excellent addition to the team.
Mohammed Shami to Play in Ranji Trophy
Shami will play his comeback match starting from Wednesday, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. He has already spent considerable time at the NCA, and his participation was confirmed by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). In fact, the pacer will also have a chance to play for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that starts on November 23.
GT Retained Players List
Rashid Khan (18cr), Shubman Gill (16.5cr), Sai Sudharsan (8.5cr), Rahul Tewatia (4cr), Shahrukh Khan (4cr).
