Shami was rested, no concerns about his fitness: Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla

Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla on Sunday dismissed speculation surrounding Mohammed Shami's absence from the team's Ranji Trophy second round match against Services, saying the senior fast bowler was fit and had himself asked to be rested after bowling a heavy workload in the previous round.Shami was expected to lead Bengal's pace attack in their second match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, with Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar unavailable owing to India A commitments. However, the 36-year-old was not included in the playing XI for the match at the Palam ground in New Delhi.His absence came shortly after he was overlooked for India's two-Test tour of New Zealand, fuelling speculation about his fitness and whether the selection snub had played a role in his decision not to play.Shukla, however, played down the speculation and insisted that the decision was purely about managing Shami's workload. "Shami is fit, he was rested. He bowled a lot of overs against Delhi last round. He himself asked to be rested. He is a cheetah. Shami resting also gives us options to try fresh faces," Shukla told reporters at the end of the day's play.Mohammed Shami looks fine. Takes throwdowns at the end of the day's play in Palam, Delhi. 15 wickets fall on Day 1 as Services finish 83/5, trailing Bengal by 101 runs. @ITGDsports #RanjiTrophy https://t.co/SsQ6XZavgi— Akshay Ramesh (@iamnotakshayr) October 18, 2026Shami had made an impressive start to his Ranji Trophy campaign against Delhi in Kalyani last week, picking up four wickets for 30 runs in 17.3 overs, including nine maidens. His performance came amid questions over his fitness, with the fast bowler making his position clear while speaking to reporters after the match. "You can see my fitness. Write it. You are watching me. What will happen if I say it? I am on the ground. I am playing. I am playing wherever I can. My job is to just keep bowling," he had said.Shami had been a key figure for Bengal in the previous Ranji Trophy season, taking 37 wickets in seven matches at an average of 16.72. He claimed three five-wicket hauls, with his best figures being eight for 90, underlining his importance to Bengal's red-ball attack.There was little to suggest that he was being kept away from cricket altogether on Sunday. Shami was seen having lengthy conversations with Bengal's physio during the day and had trained on the eve of the match. After the day's play, he headed out to the field for batting practice, facing throwdowns near the sight screen. He was also seen helping carry an ice box into the ground.Bengal, meanwhile, were bowled out for 184 after electing to bat, with captain Abhimanyu Easwaran top-scoring with 56. Services reached 83 for five at stumps, trailing by 101 runs. Pradipta Pramanik and Aamir Gani picked up two wickets each for Bengal, while Shahbaz Ahmed claimed one.With Shami rested, Bengal had an opportunity to assess their other bowling options in the absence of Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar. Shukla's comments also offered a clear response to the speculation that had followed the fast bowler's omission from India's upcoming assignments.- Ends