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A shrewd cricketer with a never-say-die attitude, Shams Mulani is a slow left-arm orthodox bowler and a handy lower-order batter who plays for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Right from Mumbai's age-group tournaments, Mulani has been one of the brightest spots for the team and even represented India at the Emerging Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in December 2018. Bowling upfront and even at death in T20s and 50-over games, Mulani had made a name in white-ball cricket. Mulani made his T20 debut for Mumbai in the 2017/18 Zonal League on January 11, 2018, and the same year, he made his List-A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. After being branded as a white-ball cricketer, the Raigad-born prospect started doubting his ability with the red cherry but after consultation with Narendra Hirwani, the legendary leg-spinner-turned-coach changed his perspective. Mulani shone in the 2019/20 Ranji Trophy with his effective bowling and his crucial fifties down the order. An experienced campaigner in the domestic circuit, the Mumbai-based cricketer was added to the Delhi Capitals in the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL), replacing Axar Patel after he tested positive for COVID-19. As the IPL was postponed, Mulani did not get an opportunity to flex his muscles in the cash-rich league. The 2022 Ranji season saw him become the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy with 45 dismissals. That year, he also contributed 16 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He again took 46 wickets in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23, second-highest in the season. Mulani was picked by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023 auction and has been retained by the franchise for the upcoming season. Mulani amassed 353 runs and took 35 wickets in the 2024 Ranji Trophy, helping Mumbai lift the coveted trophy for the 42nd time. (As of March 2024)
