'Mohammed Shami should be protected, don't rush him too quickly to India team': Bengal legend Subhomoy Das | Exclusive

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Mohammed Shami was excellent upon his long-awaited return to competitive cricket as he shone for Bengal in their Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh.

Shami took seven wickets across two innings as Bengal won a thriller in Indore by 11 runs, a much-needed victory for them due to the context of their group.

Shami returned to action after a gap of 360 days. His last encounter was the ICC World Cup 2023 final on November 19, 2023 and the India pacer underwent surgery and then a lengthy rehabilitation. Shami's return was further delayed due to a swelling on his knee a month ago.

But after his fantastic performance, former Bengal chief selector Subhomoy Das piled praises on the India star. In an exclusive interview with MyKhel, Subhomoy Das opened up on Shami's performance, and a special chat he had with the player some time ago.

"I am so proud of the team and I am so proud of the players. Bengal needed him and Mohd. Shami was fantastic. He is an inspiration. We [Bengal] needed the victory so much as we lost points earlier due to rain," Das told MyKhel.

"When Mohd. Shamir was recovering from his injury in Bangalore, he told me that he wanted to play in a couple of matches for Bengal. And his words still reverberate in my ears, when he said, 'If I bowl, I will bowl with my 100 per cent and win Bengal matches'".

Shami bowled a lengthy spell in the second innings as well, much to the liking of the BCCI selectors and medical staff. The India pacer has been tipped to join the India team in Australia ahead of the 2nd Test of the series. The India star bowled with pace and accuracy, but now the fitness and recovery will be crucial to deem if he is fit for the trip down under. But the former Bengal chief selector thinks India must protect Shami and not overplay him.

"Shami has bowled big spells, that's a massive positive. But it is important to protect Shami. He can't play the whole series. The India think tank will have to use him efficiently if he is picked."

"Performance is not an issue, but fitness is. When you are coming from a long-term injury, many factors determine the things. Recovery, and how the body permits will be a big factor. I believe Shami will target the 3rd Test match if he is added to the team, and India will benefit massively from him. But the most important thing is not to rush him to the India squad and integrate him slowly," Das concluded.

It is to be seen how the India pacer's fortune turns out after a royal return for Bengal. India, meanwhile are readying themselves for the first Test in Perth, which starts from November 22.