Bengal have unveiled their squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy SMAT 2025-26 on Saturday, November 22, featuring the significant return of out-of-favour India pacer Mohammed Shami. The experienced fast bowler, along with fellow seamer Akash Deep, has been included in Bengal's 17-member squad, which will be led by captain Abhimanyu Easwaran.
Shami has made a compelling case for selection after recovering from a leg injury that had kept him out of action. In the first phase of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, the veteran pacer collected 20 wickets in seven innings, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 2.56 and a strike rate of 43.00. His standout performance came in the opening two matches, where he claimed 15 wickets and played a pivotal role in Bengal's consecutive wins against Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
Importantly, having featured in four of Bengal's five Ranji fixtures so far, Shami is fully fit and determined to push for a comeback to the Indian team. He has been away from international cricket for an extended period, last appearing during India's triumphant 2025 Champions Trophy campaign. Despite his outstanding Ranji performances, Shami was not considered for the recent white-ball series in Australia or the ongoing Test series against South Africa. He will play for LSG in IPL 2026 after the trade out by SRH.