The conversation around Mohammed Shami’s India return has now intensified, with Sourav Ganguly delivering a clear message to selectors amid the pacer’s strong IPL and domestic form.
Ganguly reignites Shami selection debate
Speaking in Kolkata at the Bengal Pro T20 League inauguration ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders’ clash against Lucknow Super Giants on April 9, Ganguly framed the debate around readiness, rhythm, and the value of sustained match exposure rather than speculation around fitness.
“He looks fit and sharp. After bowling consistently for months, you naturally reach peak condition — no amount of training matches that. I wish him all the best and would love to see him back in India colours,” he said.
That assessment comes at a time when Shami continues to deliver across formats, including a standout IPL performance where he returned figures of 2 for 9, featuring 18 dot balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Ganguly positioned that performance not as an isolated display, but as evidence of a bowler still operating at the highest level.
“He should be bowling at the other end of Jasprit Bumrah, nowhere else. That’s how good he is. We all saw that spell the other night against Sunrisers Hyderabad — four overs, nine runs against two of the best T20 players, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. That was phenomenal,” he added.
Domestic grind strengthens the case
Beyond IPL impact, Shami’s consistency in domestic cricket has played a crucial role in keeping him match-ready.
“I still believe he should play for India. Hopefully, his time will come again because he’s that good. When the ball comes out with that upright seam, it’s a treat to watch,” Ganguly noted, reinforcing his belief in the bowler’s enduring quality.
That confidence is backed by numbers. Across the 2025–26 domestic season, Shami picked up 67 wickets, including 37 in the Ranji Trophy at an average of 16.72, while also playing a key role for Bengal in a deep tournament run.
Ganguly pointed to those performances as proof of sustained impact.
“He had a strong Ranji Trophy season for Bengal. I still remember that semi-final — even though Bengal lost, he picked up eight wickets. He was instrumental in taking the team that far,” he said.
His willingness to continue playing red-ball cricket also stood out.
“I’m very happy he wants to keep playing in the Ranji Trophy. It’s tough for a fast bowler, but there’s nothing better than watching Mohammed Shami run in with the new ball,” he added.
Chopra questions recognition gap
The debate has also drawn strong reactions from Aakash Chopra, who questioned whether Shami’s performances are being fully acknowledged despite consistent returns.
“I had also said that everyone has to stand up and take notice if he does it in the IPL. Then you cannot say that the opposing team’s standard wasn’t that good. This is the most competitive league in the world. In such a scenario, he bowled four overs for just nine runs and two wickets, including 18 dot balls, in an afternoon game against the SunRisers Hyderabad,” he said on his YouTube channel.
That argument adds pressure to selection conversations, particularly given the level of competition in the IPL.
“Are we giving Mohammad Shami enough credit, and when will we actually give him credit? It’s a big question. Why are we not celebrating him? I am the same person who was saying that the selectors have to choose, and if they are not selecting, they might have seen him, his fitness, and whatever,” he added.
Shami focuses on process amid selection uncertainty
While external voices continue to build the case, Shami himself has remained focused on execution and preparation, speaking to reporters after Lucknow Super Giants’ match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
“You have to adapt. I was here last year and used a lot of slower ones. Opponents use it a lot, I thought why not us too,” he said, highlighting how his approach has evolved with conditions.
That adaptability was evident in how he approached the Sunrisers innings.
“The pitch was slow, a bit sticky type. But with the new ball, your line and length are very important. Because we clearly knew that if we give them width or if we give them in the zone, then they will hit both the batsmen hard,” he explained.
His strategy revolved around control, as he noted that “So it was very important to turn off the pace. And it was very important that they get as little elevation as possible.”
Beyond tactics, Shami emphasised the importance of staying connected to competitive cricket.
“If you want to play, it’s important to be in touch with the game. If you are fit, only then can you work on your skills. That’s why I kept in touch with the game and played all the domestic matches,” he said.
That approach has been central to maintaining rhythm, particularly in the absence of international opportunities.
“I have always had the strength of the new ball. So I always think about how much benefit I can bring to my team with the new ball, or how much good I can do for the team,” he added.
Execution, he explained, is built around momentum and awareness.
“It depends on the day. If your day is good and your bowling is going well, then you build pressure. If three balls go well, then you look to put the fourth one quickly if a wicket is coming. That is part of planning,” he said.
His broader philosophy remains grounded in fundamentals.
“See, whether it is IPL or any good platform, you definitely need to work on skill. So now it depends on how hard you are working on the new ball and on the old ball,” he noted.
At the core of that mindset is experience-driven clarity, as he put it: “Without skill or experience, nothing happens.”
That journey, however, comes with its own fluctuations.
“I am not a machine. My season can go up and down. I have performed well in the last few years. People may not have noticed, that’s different. But I always try to do well,” he said.
And ultimately, performance is underpinned by effort. “But it takes a lot of hard work,” he added, before concluding with a personal note: “I do my work and try to leave the rest to Allah.”
Pressure builds on selectors
With consistent domestic returns, impactful IPL performances, and strong backing from senior voices, the case for Shami’s return is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
As India continues to balance transition with experience in its pace attack, the spotlight now shifts to whether current form and proven quality will be rewarded — or whether the selectors continue to look ahead to the next generation.
