Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Ousted from the group final 12 months, Tamil Nadu’s Mohammed returns in type

M. Mohammed’s profession was at a crossroads final 12 months when he didn’t make the Ranji Trophy squad. The 32-year-old just isn’t essentially the most naturally gifted bowler however makes up for it with a never-say-die angle, bowling with gusto.

However, the medium-pacer had solely performed 25 First-class matches over ten years since his debut in 2012, and it appeared like TN was prepared to maneuver on from him.

That was till he bought a lifeline through the All India Buchi Babu invitational match. Playing for the TNCA President’s XI in opposition to Railways, he took three wickets in opposition to Railways earlier than struggling a groin pressure within the second innings. But he did sufficient to impress TN coach Sulkashan Kulkarni, who felt he had a bowler to do the laborious yards.

On Friday, the participant from Dindigul did simply that with an excellent spell after tea that learn 5-2-6-3 to assist TN wrest the sport from Gujarat.

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“I felt coming into the season I was in good rhythm and bowling well. I got the ball to move off the surface a bit and was happy I could help my team in the first match of my comeback,” stated Mohammed, who completed with a haul of 5 for 44.

Recalling the powerful instances over the past 12 months, he stated, “I was very hurt when I got dropped last year. I haven’t done much as a player because, except for one season, I never got a long run. So I decided to work hard to get back into the team and not rue for not doing enough.”

“I was not part of the first three camps we had last year, but after the Buchi Babu tournament, the coach assured me I would be in the reckoning. I am happy I could deliver and repay his faith in me. L. Balaji (bowling coach) has also been guiding me during training and gave me the confidence that I was doing well,” he added.

When requested in regards to the areas he labored on, Mohammed stated, “In the past, I could bowl with control with an older ball than the new one. This year, I moved to UFCC (T Nagar), where I was the strike bowler, and I learned how to bowl with the new ball and not lose my pace. I also worked hard on my fitness to bowl long spells, and I am happy it worked today.”