For Mumbai’s dynamic all-rounder, Shams Mulani, a stellar performance that led his team to a thrilling 35-run victory against Jammu & Kashmir in the opening round of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy was simply another day at the office. The 28-year-old showcased his exceptional talent, scoring a crucial 91 runs from the number six position in Mumbai’s first innings. He then followed it up with an incredible bowling display, bagging seven wickets for just 46 runs in J&K’s second innings, culminating in an impressive match haul of nine for 120. This consistent excellence has been a hallmark of Mulani’s game for at least the past three seasons, setting a remarkably high standard for himself.
The final day of the match saw J&K steadily progressing towards their target of 243, reaching 84 for two before Mulani stepped up to deliver the pivotal breakthroughs. The left-arm spinner, in an early burst of brilliance, dismissed Paras Dogra with an unplayable delivery. Such was his accuracy and skill that five of his seven victims found their stumps dismantled, highlighting his destructive capability.
Expressing his satisfaction after being named player-of-the-match, Mulani commented, “Throughout the entire game, I felt the ball was leaving my hand beautifully. Even with minimal assistance from the pitch, I was confident I could make an impact. My strategy was to effectively utilize the crease to my advantage.”
Despite his undeniable consistency and impactful performances, Mulani has received only one call-up to the India-A squad so far, which was against England Lions last February – a match where he impressively claimed a five-wicket haul.
When questioned about the seemingly limited opportunities at higher levels, Mulani remained resolute. “My approach is very straightforward. My primary focus is to consistently perform for Mumbai. Selection decisions are beyond my control. My role is simply to deliver on the field,” he stated. He added with confidence, “Exceptional performance is always a positive. If I continue to deliver match-winning efforts like this, I believe positive outcomes will follow, and I will earn my opportunity.”