Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has sent a clear message to the national selectors: don’t write off Mohammed Shami just yet. Backing the 35-year-old pacer to return to India’s squad across all formats, Ganguly praised Shami’s fitness and match-winning performances in the Ranji Trophy, questioning the veteran’s ongoing omission from the national setup.
“Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit and we saw in the three Ranji Trophy matches, where he’s won Bengal on his own,” Ganguly said on Monday during an event in Kolkata.
Despite his standout showing in domestic cricket, Shami was not picked for the upcoming two-Test home series against South Africa. He last played international cricket during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and hasn’t featured in a Test since the World Test Championship Final in June 2023.
Selectors urged to reconsider “the Shami we know of”
India’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has cited “fitness concerns” as a reason for Shami’s exclusion. However, Ganguly appears unconvinced and believes Shami has proven himself in domestic cricket.
“I’m sure the selectors are watching and there is a communication between Mohammad Shami and the selectors. But if you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the Mohammad Shami we know of.”
“So, I really don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing Test matches, One-day cricket and T20 cricket for India. Because that skill is enormous,” Ganguly said.
Shami, who underwent ankle surgery after finishing as the top wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, has taken 15 wickets in three Ranji matches this season and bowled over 90 overs—clear signs of his match readiness.
Still, with India facing no red-ball fixtures for the next six months and a focus on nurturing younger fast bowlers like Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep, questions remain over whether Shami will get another chance.
Shami’s form raises questions about India’s pace transition
The veteran fast bowler’s performances come at a time when India appears to be in the middle of a generational shift in its pace department. With Shami showing he can still deliver at the domestic level, Ganguly’s backing adds pressure on the selectors to justify his continued absence.
Behind the scenes, reports indicate the BCCI had hoped to bring Shami back for the England tour, with the board’s sports science team even evaluating his fitness. But no formal return materialized, and the official stance has remained cautious.
Ganguly weighs in on Dhruv Jurel selection dilemma
Turning his attention to India’s squad selection for the South Africa Tests, Ganguly also offered his thoughts on the wicketkeeper-batter debate. With Rishabh Pant returning from injury, competition for a spot in the playing XI has intensified—particularly for in-form youngster Dhruv Jurel.
“He’s playing well, isn’t he? Rishabh is back and I don’t know what the selectors are thinking. Basically, the spots are taken — two openers, (Shubman) Gill at 4, Pant at 5, KL (Rahul), (Ravindra) Jadeja are there. Players have performed. How easy will it be to open up a slot for Dhruv Jurel at this stage, I wouldn’t know…”
“But it depends on whom they want to send at No. 3 — whether they want to go with Sai Sudharsan, or bring in our in-form Dhruv in. We’ll find out,” Ganguly said.
Jurel has made a strong case with back-to-back centuries in an unofficial Test against South Africa A, and could be in contention if selectors decide to shuffle the top order.
“India in India are a different kettle of fish”
Previewing the series, Ganguly expressed confidence in India’s chances at home, pointing to the strength of the spin attack and the depth of young talent that recently shone in England.
“Because India’s spin attack is very good. And this young team went to England three months ago and played exceptionally well. It was a fantastic series to watch — exceptional performances by Gill, Yashasvi (Jaiswal), Rahul, Pant. They’ve been exceptional. Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Jadeja… India are a bundle of talent.
“South Africa, I know they’ve played well in Pakistan. But India in India are a different kettle of fish. They’ll have to play really, really well to compete with India,” Ganguly said.
