Shami, Auqib Nabi light up Ranji Trophy semifinal to make case for India selection

For hundreds of cricket 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 act of an experienced Mohammed Shami and the emergence 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 36-year-old pacer, who recorded his career-best figures (8/90) to give a crucial first innings lead to Bengal, as far as his return to the Indian side is concerned.

READ | Lethal Nabi, lower order resistance helps J&K inch closer to win over Bengal

Shami, a proven match-winner who has also featured in 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 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls.

“Why did the Bengal innings fold (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 12 wickets against Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinals, scalped nine and scored vital 42 runs against Bengal to take his team closer to its maiden final.

In what has been an eye-catching season for the speedster, Nabi performed in all formats and commanded an impressive price tag of ₹8.4 crore from Indian Premier League side Delhi Capitals in the auction despite being an uncapped player.