Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has once again backed the inclusion of Mohammed Shami in the Test squad after India’s 30-run loss in Kolkata. Rishabh Pant and co. were outfoxed by the Proteas on the very pitch that they had wanted at the Eden Gardens, marking their first defeat at the venue in 12 years. Following the result, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Ganguly urged head coach Gautam Gambhir to have faith in match-winner Shami and get him back to the Test side.
Ganguly urges Gambhir to bring back Shami to Tests
Speaking to SportsTak, Ganguly said that it was imperative for Gambhir to have faith in the trio of Bumrah-Siraj-Shami. Throwing his weight behind the out-of-favour pacer, the former Indian captain said that the West Bengal bowler deserved a spot in the Test side. Ganguly went on to claim that Shami could win matches for India along with the spinners.
“I think Shami deserves a place in this Test team. Shami and the spinners will win Tests for him. “I am very fond of Gautam; he has done well in the 2011 and T20 World Cups. He will continue for a while, but he must play on good pitches in India. He must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami,” Ganguly said.
Shami was last seen in action for India in Tests in the World Test Championship (WTC 2023) final against Australia. While he did make his international comeback (white-ball) earlier in January after being on the sidelines for over a year, he was left out of the Test side for the series against England and subsequently for the series against WI and SA as well. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had flagged fitness concerns as the reason behind his snub.
However, Shami has fared well recently, having picked up 15 wickets in three Ranji Trophy matches. In the ongoing game against Assam, the West Bengal pacer already has 2 wickets to his name.
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