India, Oct. 29 -- Bengal head coach and former India all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla has thrown his full support behind senior pacer Mohammed Shami, saying the experienced fast bowler does not need "a certificate from anyone" to prove his worth. His remark came after Shami delivered a match-winning spell to guide Bengal to a 141-run victory over Gujarat in their Ranji Trophy Group C encounter at the Eden Gardens.

"Mohammed Shami doesn't need a certificate from anyone. He is a certificate in himself. He has the backing of his fans, media, and the biggest selector of them all, who is right up there (God)," Shukla said after the game, in what was seen as an indirect jibe at BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.

The comment comes amid ong...