Ranji Trophy Madhya Pradesh vs Bengal Day 1: Shami goes wicketless; MP bowled out Bengal for 228 runs
Mohammed Shami, who is playing a match for the first time after the ODI World Cup 2023, could not perform well on the first day of the Ranji Trophy. However, he bowled 10 overs on the very first day of his return, which is proof of his fitness.
The matches of the fifth round of the Ranji Trophy started on Wednesday, 13 November. On the first day of the Madhya Pradesh vs Bengal match at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, everyone's eyes were on Mohammed Shami, who was returning to the field after a year, but he could not take wickets.
Mohammed Shami, who is playing a match for the first time after the ODI World Cup 2023, could not perform well on the first day. However, the good news is that he bowled 10 overs on the very first day of his return, which is proof of his fitness. The 34-year-old pacer bowled 10 overs and gave away 34 runs in Madhya Pradesh’s first innings.
Bengal vs Madhya Pradesh Day 1
Host Madhya Pradesh bowled out Bengal for 228 runs in 51.2 overs. Shahbaz Ahmed scored a brilliant 92 runs but the others faltered as Madhya Pradesh bowlers dominated with their accurate bowling. Mohammed Shami came out to bat and only managed to score 2 runs. Madhya Pradesh ended the opening day at 103 for one, with Rajat Patidar and Subhransu Senapati at the crease. The only wicket for Bengal was taken by Mohammed Kaif.
The fast-bowling pair will have their task cut out with the ball if Bengal are to make a fightback with their campaign on the line. A slew of results early on, thanks to the weather, has left their campaign on choppy waters. Their inability to force an outright win last week against Karnataka means they need to win each of their remaining three games, including this one, to have any hopes of qualifying.
Bengal Players in IPL 2025 – Full List & Performance
From Mohammed Shami to the rising talents, discover the full list of Bengal players in IPL 2025 and track down their performance. Let's see how exciting their season have been.
Bengal has a deep-rooted passion for cricket, and the IPL offers a great opportunity to have their local talents compete at the highest level. Several players from Bengal were a part of the exciting IPL 2025 season.
Whether through match-winning spells, consistent contribution, or vital innings, their presence was always prominent in the season. Check out the full list and performance of Bengal Players in IPL 2025 along with their on-field impact.
1. Mohammed Shami (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Mohammed Shami in action for SRH during a match in IPL 2025. Image | Sports Tak
Mohammed Shami has been a long-standing and key figure in Bengal's domestic cricketing landscape. After being ruled out of the previous IPL season (2024) due to an ankle injury, he made a comeback this year as Sunrisers Hyderabad's key pick and second-highest buy for ₹10 crore.
Shami had a somewhat mixed IPL 2025 season and struggled with consistency and his lengths. After his stellar Purple Cap-winning season in 2023, his 2025 campaign saw him take 6 wickets in 9 matches, with an economy of 11.25.
However, Shami continued to prove his excellence by becoming the only bowler in IPL history to claim a first-ball wicket 4 times. He achieved the fourth one by dismissing Shaik Rasheed in the SRH vs CSK match in the 2025 season.
Abishek Porel celebrating his half century in a match in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
Born in Chandannagar, West Bengal, Abishek Porel is a true local and a proud representative of the state. He was retained for ₹4 crore by Delhi Capitals, where he continued to showcase his brilliance as a wicket-keeper batter.
He began this season with a good pace and proved to be vital by accelerating the run flow when needed. He scored 301 runs in 13 matches, which makes him the second-highest scorer for DC this season.
While his form and the team's overall performance had a slight dip towards the latter part of the tournament, his contributions as a top-order batter were undeniable. He proved that he can adapt to different batting positions and do well.
Mukesh Kumar celebrates a wicket in IPL 2025. Image | TOI
Mukesh Kumar is another example of an incredible pacer who plays for Bengal in domestic cricket and has done exceptionally well in the stage of IPL. Following his brilliant 2024 season for DC, he was retained this year for ₹8 crore via RTM (Right to Match).
He proved to be a reliable performer, delivering effective spells in death overs and under pressure. His ability to use variations and bowl yorkers with accuracy made him a key part of the team's bowling unit.
He delivered a standout performance in IPL 2025 against LSG with his 4-wicket haul and great spell, which earned him the POTM award after their victory.
Akash Deep celebrates a wicket for LSG in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Hailing from Bihar, Akash Deep moved to Bengal to pursue cricket and performed well in the domestic field, then later making it to the India 'A' team. In IPL 2025, he was secured by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹8 crore and played 6 matches.
Akash missed some initial games due to a back injury, and later bounced back to showcase a glimpse of his quality and experience as a fast-medium bowler.
There wasn't any particular "game-changing" performance or moment for him this season, but his contributions were a part of LSG's overall bowling efforts.
Akash IPL 2025 stats:
Matches
Balls
Wickets
BBM
Ave
Econ
6
114
3
2/55
76.33
12.05
5. Shahbaz Ahmed (Lucknow Super Giants)
Shahbaz Ahmed in LSG dressing room post-match. Image | Instagram
A keu all-rounder for Bengal's state team, Shahbaz Ahmed was bought for ₹2.4 crore in the mega auction by Lucknow Super Giants. He played a supporting role in IPL 2025 and provided depth in their squad.
He played only 3 matches, where he came out to bat for a single innings and took 1 wicket in the entire season. While the 2025 season did not see any noteworthy performance, his presence in the squad was enough to back then up and bring flexibility as an all-rounder option.
Mitchell Starc surpassed Mohammed Shami to became the leading wicket taker in ICC finals. So, let's take a look at the bowlers with most wickets in ICC tournament finals.
Australia's star fast bowler Mitchell Starc added a big achievement to his name on Wednesday by becoming the bowler to take the most wickets in ICC tournament finals. Starc achieved this feat by taking two wickets on the first day of the World Test Championship 2025 final against South Africa at Lord's. Starc, playing his fifth ICC final, has taken 11 wickets so far and is expected to increase it.
With this, Starc also broke the record of Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami as soon as he took the second wicket. This record was earlier in the name of Shami, who had taken 10 wickets in four ICC finals.
So, let's take a look at the bowlers with most wickets in ICC tournament finals.
Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals
6. Glenn McGrath | 8 Wickets
The former legendary Australia pacer Glenn McGrath featured in a total of 5 ICC finals for the Baggy Greens and took 8 Wickets for his team. McGrath was one of Australia’s most important players for several years and he always stepped-up big time in finals of major tournaments.
McGrath was the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2002 edition of the ICC tournament with 8 wickets in 3 matches after Muttaih Muralidharan who has claimed 10 wickets in as many games.
5. Kyle Jamieson | 8 Wickets
New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson also took 8 Wickets in the ICC tournament finals after appearing in 3 innings. In the 2019–2021 World Test Championship Final, Jamieson was named as the man of the match, after taking seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings.
4. Ravindra Jadeja | 8 Wickets
Ravindra Jadeja comes fourth on this list. Jadeja’s evolution from a utility player to a match-winner is reflected in his 8 ICC final appearances. In his 8 finals, Jadeja dismissed 8 players in ICC tournament finals.
His all-round prowess was key to India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2013, where he was the leading wicket-taker. He has since played vital roles in T20 World Cup finals and two successive WTC finals (2021, 2023), as well as the 2025 Champions Trophy.
3. Trent Boult | 8 Wickets
New Zealand's veteran pacer Trent Boult is true to the 'big-match player' tag with 8 wickets in his 4 ICC Finals. Boult played a massive role in the Kiwis' success in ICC tournaments and gave brilliant bowling performances in the finals as well.
Boult was also the joint leading wicket taker at the 2015 Cricket World Cup. In 2018, he became the third bowler for New Zealand to take a hat-trick in ODIs.
2. Mohammed Shami | 10 Wickets
India's star bowler Mohammed Shami now comes second in this list. In four ICC finals, Shami has taken 10 wickets at an average of 38.90, an economy rate of 3.95 and best bowling figures of 4/76 in the WTC final 2021 against New Zealand.
Shami is also the leading wicket-taker among Indian bowlers in ODI World Cups and also led all bowlers in the 2023 edition with 24 wickets in seven outings. He continued his magical run in ICC events with a five-wicket haul in his maiden Champions Trophy game (ongoing contest against Bangladesh).
Australia's pace ace Mitchell Starc has became the highest wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals. The left-arm quick achieved the milestone during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord's. Starc, playing in his fifth ICC final, has now taken 11 wickets across tournament deciders.
The milestone came in style as Starc struck early in South Africa's second innings, cleaning up Aiden Markram for a duck. He followed it up with the dismissal of Ryan Rickelton for 16, ending Day 1 with figures of 2/10 in a fiery spell.
He also became the joint second-highest wicket taker in ICC knockout games. He is sharing the spot with former Aussie legend Glenn McGrath and Mohammed Shami, who each have taken 22 wickets. The top spot is with former Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 23 wickets.
Most wickets vs England in England for India in tests
Ishant Sharma has taken the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. Kapil Dev, Jasprit Bumrah and a few other Indian legends follow him on the list.
Indian bowlers, especially pacers, have always waited for the tour of England since it produces seam-friendly pitches, which help them get more wickets. From legends of yesteryears like Kapil to modern-day greats like Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, they have had success in England against England.
With another England tour forthcoming, we present you the list of bowlers with the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests.
1. Ishant Sharma | 48 Wickets
Ishant Sharma during his 5-wicket haul against England in 2018. Image | Cricshots
Ishant Sharma has the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. He is widely known for his pace and wicket-taking abilities. He took 48 wickets in 14 matches, with an economy of 3.29.
Ishant's ability to make the ball come in from a difficult length has worked well on English conditions. Moreover, his short-ball strategy during the 2014 series at Lord's helped India register a famous win in England.
Kapil Dev in action against England in a test match. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The Indian legend, Kapil Dev, is the second-highest wicket-taker in the list with 43 wickets in 13 matches played. The former Indian captain has an exceptional record against England and dominated on their home soil throughout his career.
Kapil's incredible outswing always had the batters guessing and with his ability to clean up tails, also helped him get many wickets in those conditions.
Dev stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1979-1990
13
22
43
129
563.1
2.99
39.18
5/125
8/168
3. Jasprit Bumrah | 37 Wickets
Jasprit Bumrah celebrating a wicket in a test match vs ENG in 2021. Image | ESPNcricinfo
One of the most successful bowlers of this era, Jasprit Bumrah, climbed up the ladder really fast in his career. His finest skillset and ability to generate steep bounce and challenging seam movement with his unorthodox bowling action, got him 37 wickets in just 8 matches (15 innings) so far, and there's more to come in the future.
Anil Kumble celebrating a successful dismissal during his test career for India. Image | YouTube
Anil Kumble holds the fourth place for most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. He took 36 wickets in 10 matches, which is commendable for a spinner in such conditions.
Kumble was the senior-most bowler of the squad during that time, and was often described as bowling "faster" for a spinner, that too with high accuracy. His spin deliveries was considered to be as fast as a "jumbo jet."
Kumble's stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1990-2007
10
19
36
113
524.5
2.84
41.41
4/66
7/159
5. Bishan Singh Bedi | 35 Wickets
Bishan Singh Bedi in action for India during his test career. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Bishan Singh Bedi is the one name that stands out while discussing the wicket-taking rate against England. Bedi's incredible stat as a spinner in pace bowling friendly conditions like England sets him apart from the rest.
He took 35 wickets in 12 matches (18 innings), with an economy less than 3. Bedi also has the highest number of maidens among all the players in this list.
Singh Bedi stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1967-1979
12
18
35
133
524.5
2.54
38.08
6/226
6/111
6. Mohammed Shami | 34 Wickets
Mohammed Shami playing against England in a test match in 2022. Image | Instagram
Mohammad Shami has a brilliant overseas record, and only a few Indian bowlers can be at the level with him. He has 34 wickets in 12 matches to his name, with an economy of 3.56.
Shami consistently hits challenging lengths, which makes him a wicket-taker against England batters. His unfortunate absence in the upcoming Test squad against England therefore became a point of concern for the fans.
Shami's status vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
2014-2022
12
21
34
65
402.3
3.56
42.14
4/57
6/108
7. B. S. Chandrasekhar | 31 Wickets
B.S. Chandrashekhar in action for India during his test career. Image | Heritage Times
The wizard of leg spin, B.S. Chandrashekhar, makes his way up here with 31 wickets in 9 matches against England on their home soil. He had a phenomenal bowling figure in a match with 8 wickets (conceding 114 runs).
His most cherished performance against England came in the 1971 Oval Test, where he took 6 wickets for 38 runs, leading India to secure their first series victory on the English soil.
Zaheer Khan celebrating a successful dismissal in a match against England in 2011. Image | Firstpost
One of India's most celebrated pace bowlers, Zaheer Khan, holds the eighth position with 31 wickets in only 8 away matches vs England. The former left-arm pacer was one of the best for India during his era.
Zaheer had made legends like Alastair Cook his bunny with his lethal outswingers, going away from Cook. He was the best of his time, who significantly enhanced India's bowling strength.
Khan's stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
2002-2011
8
14
31
81
296.5
2.92
27.96
5/75
9/134
9. Ravindra Jadeja | 22 Wickets
Ravindra Jadeja in action for India in a test match against England. Image | Instagram
Ravindra Jadeja, who is one of India's key all-rounders, holds the ninth position with 22 wickets in 10 matches. He is equally good with the bat as he is with spinning the ball for his nation.
Jadeja's ability to bowl long spells with variations, makes him a vital asset for the Indian team.
Vinoo Mankad in action for India during his test career. Image | Cricket Times
Vinoo Mankad stands out from an early era. The former all-rounder truly made his mark on England soil by taking 20 wickets in just 6 matches.
With his tight bowling and impeccable lengths, Mankad made the most out of the English conditions and proved why he was considered one of the best of his generation.
Is Mohammad Shami ready to spearhead India's pace attack in the upcoming five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025?
With concerns over his form and fitness following a lacklustre IPL 2025 and a long injury layoff, we dive deep into whether the star pacer should be included in the squad.
From his stellar 2023 ODI World Cup performance to recent struggles with pace and rhythm, we analyse Shami’s prospects and what he brings to the table. Plus, we explore potential alternatives like Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, and others who could step up if Shami’s fitness remains a concern.
With Jasprit Bumrah’s workload being managed, who else can India rely on to challenge England’s batsmen?
BCCI Central Contract 2025: Talking points from BCCI's contract announcement
7 new names were included in the BCCI Central contract, whereas Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer returned to the list as the BCCI announced their central contract for 2025.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Central Contract for the 2025-26 season on Monday, 21st April 2025. 7 new players were added to the contract, while players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan returned to the list after missing out last time.
Last year, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were left out of the BCCI central contract after opting out of the domestic games for their respective state teams. BCCI's focus on domestic cricket left them out of the central contract despite being part of the Indian team set up a few months ago.
But, this time, both the Indian batters were added to the contract after Iyer won everything in the domestic cricket last season, along with lifting the IPL 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders. Ishan Kishan also played through the entire domestic season and has been rewarded with the contract too.
Talking points from the BCCI Central Contract 2025
Rohit and Kohli stay in Grade A+
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remained in the Grade A+ category despite retiring from the T20I format. Rohit and Virat had announced their retirement from the shortest format of the game after lifting the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies.
Ravindra Jadeja is another name who has been listed in the A+ category despite retiring from the T20Is after the World Cup victory.
Bumrah is the only all-format player in A+
With Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja retiring from the shortest format of the game, Jasprit Bumrah remains the only all-format player to be in the A+ category of the BCC Central Contract 2025.
Pant is promoted to the Grade A category
Rishabh Pant received a promotion to the A category after being in the B category last year. Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami are the other names in the A category, who were already there in last year's contract.
Ravi Ashwin has been left out of the contract since he retired from international cricket.
Iyer listed in grade B; Kishan in grade C
Shreyas Iyer, who was left out of the contract last year, has been included in the Grade B, while Ishan Kishan has been listed in the Grade C.
Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the other names in Grade B, who were there last time as well.
New 7 names in Grade C
Nitish Kumar Reddy was among the seven new names in the BCCI Central Contract. Image | Assoicated Press
7 new players have been added to the BCCI Central Contract 2025. All of these players found themselves in Grade C.
Dhruv Jurel, Sarafraz Khan, Nitish Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep are the players who received the contract for their performances in the last season.
Not to be confused, Akash Deep earlier had a fast bowling contract and this year received the central contract after doing well in the Test format.
Shardul Thakur, Jitesh Sharma, KS Bharath, Avesh Khan, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa have been left out of the contract this year.
Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa were all part of the fast bowling contract last season.
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