Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly backed Mohamed Shami to be reincluded in the Test side ahead of the IND vs SA Test series. His remarks come after the West Bengal pacer has been repeatedly snubbed across formats, with chief selector Aji Agarkar citing fitness concerns. Shami last featured in an international fixture during the Champions Trophy 2025 and since then has been sidelined.
‘Shami is great’
Speaking to journalists at the Eden Gardens, CAB president Ganguly said that there was no reason why Shami shouldn’t be playing Tests. He explained that the veteran pacer had managed to take 15 wickets across three games so far in Ranji Trophy 2025/26. Ganguly said that while he hopes there is enough communication between the selectors and Shami, there was no reason why he can’t play in all formats of the game for India, given his talent.
“Shami is great, he’s bowling exceptionally well. You saw in the 2-3 Ranji trophy matches where he’s won Bengal on his own. I’m sure the selectors are watching. I’m sure there is a communication between Shami and selectors, I don’t know. But if you ask me in terms of fitness and skill, it’s Mohammed Shami we know of. So I really don’t see any reason why you can’t be playing test matches, ODIs or T20Is for India because that skill is enormous,” Ganguly said.
Shami returned to international cricket earlier this year in January after spending over a year on the sidelines, primarily due to an ankle injury. His performance in the IPL was severly criticised, due to his lack of consistency in terms of pace and length. He was eventually left out of the squad for the IND vs ENG series and subsequently wasn’t considrerd for the series against WI or SA either.
“About giving an update, it’s not my responsibility to give an update or ask for an update. It’s not my job to give updates on my fitness. My job is to go to the NCA (National Cricket Academy), prepare and play matches. Woh unki baat hai unko kaun update deta hai, kisne nahin diya (That’s their matter who gives them updates or not). It’s not my responsibility,” Shami had said earlier.
When asked, Agarkar stated that he’s been in touch with Shami multiple times since he last played for India, and the medical team at the Centre of Excellence doesn’t think that Shami was ready for the rigours of international cricket. The comment didn’t sit well with the pacer, who said in reply, “Let him say whatever he wants.”
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