Shami, Nabi stake claim for a spot in Indian team

For hundreds of fans thronging the Bengal Cricket Academy ground during the Ranji Trophy semifinal between Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir here, it was a privilege to witness the class of the experienced Mohammed Shami and the exploits of an impeccable Auqib Nabi — the two pacers among top-10 bowlers this season — on one platform.

“Ab toh lelo Shami bhai ko (Now, please select Shami bhai). For how long will he keep pushing?” pleaded a spectator to National selectors Shiv Sundar Das and Ajay Ratra when they strolled around the park during the lunch break on Tuesday.

Ratra responded with folded hands and a smile but knew that it’s difficult to ignore the 35-year-old Shami, who recorded his career-best First Class figures (eight for 90) to hand the first-innings lead to Bengal.

Shami, a proven match-winner who has also featured in domestic white-ball tournaments to showcase his load-taking ability, has claimed 36 wickets in seven matches so far to be sixth among top wicket-takers and knock on the doors of the selectors.

So has J & K workhorse Nabi, who leads the overall bowlers’ chart with 55 scalps including six five-wicket hauls.

“Why did Bengal fold up (in the second innings) like Pakistan (in T20 World Cup)?” wondered another fan.

The primary reason for this was the disciplined and tireless effort of 29-year-old Nabi, who, following his match haul of 12 for 110 against Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinals, claimed nine wickets and scored a vital 42 in the first essay to take his team closer to its maiden final.

Nabi commanded an impressive price tag of ₹8.4 crore from Indian Premier League side Delhi Capitals despite being an uncapped player following a standout last season.

Time will tell how these two speedsters serve India in the future.