Experienced Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami offered crucial guidance to Jammu and Kashmir bowlers as they prepare for their first-ever Ranji Trophy final. J&K will face Karnataka, eight-time champions, in the historic final scheduled at KSCA Cricket Stadium in Hubballi starting February 24. Jammu and Kashmir made history by reaching the final after 16 years, defeating Bengal in the semi-final with a six-wicket victory at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground.
Shami, despite being on the losing side, showcased exceptional performance in the semi-final match, claiming a total of nine wickets, including an impressive eight-wicket haul in the first innings. Seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi’s four-wicket contribution was pivotal in Bengal’s second innings collapse to 99 runs, favoring J&K’s advancement. In a video shared by BCCI Domestic on X, Shami advised Nabi to focus solely on the stumps, disregarding other distractions like pitch conditions or match situations.
Currently ranking as the sixth-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, Shami has accumulated 37 wickets in seven matches, featuring three five-wicket hauls. His recent notable performance includes a five-wicket haul against Services, where he claimed figures of 5-51 in the second innings.
