New Delhi, February 20: In a crucial boost ahead of the Ranji Trophy final, India’s pace ace Mohammad Shami has delivered straightforward advice to Jammu and Kashmir’s bowlers. Having stormed into their maiden final by defeating Bengal in the semifinals, J&K received this gem from the seasoned campaigner.
The BCCI shared a compelling video on its X platform, capturing Shmi’s words of wisdom. ‘Forget swing, length, pace, and ball selection. Ignore the 22-yard pitch entirely. Just lock your focus on the stumps and nothing else. Don’t worry about what’s happening around you,’ Shami urged, speaking directly to the group.
His message resonated particularly with Aqib Nabi Dar, the standout performer who propelled J&K to this historic stage. In the semifinal thriller against Bengal, Aqib claimed a staggering nine wickets across both innings. Earlier in the quarterfinals against Madhya Pradesh, he had demolished the opposition with 12 scalps, underlining his dominance.
The semifinal unfolded dramatically. Bengal posted 328 in their first dig, but J&K responded gamely with 302, led by Abdul Samad’s gritty 82 and skipper Paras Dogra’s 58. The game turned in the second innings as Aqib and Sunil Kumar orchestrated a collapse, bundling Bengal out for just 99. Each grabbed four wickets in a clinical display.
Chasing a modest 126, J&K cruised home with four wickets intact. Vanshaj Sharma remained unbeaten on 43, while Samad chipped in with a brisk 30 off 27 balls. Shami’s laser-focused mantra could be the edge they need in the final, simplifying the high-stakes battle to its bare essentials.