Sourav Ganguly Mohammed Shami BCCI Message Stuns
Sourav Ganguly Mohammed Shami BCCI — Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has urged the BCCI selectors to reconsider Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the Indian Test and limited-overs squads, saying the veteran pacer is “fit and bowling exceptionally well.”
Sourav Ganguly’s Strong Backing for Shami
Speaking after being unveiled as the global brand ambassador of Kabuni, a UK-based AI sports coaching platform, Ganguly insisted that Shami still has plenty to offer India across formats.
“Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit, and we saw that in the three Ranji Trophy matches, where he won games for Bengal on his own,” Ganguly told reporters. “If you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the same Mohammed Shami we know. I don’t see any reason why he can’t continue playing Tests, ODIs, and T20s for India. His skill level is enormous.”
Selectors’ Call Under Scrutiny
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has left Shami out of the two-Test series against South Africa, marking the third straight squad the 35-year-old has missed. He last featured for India in the Champions Trophy in March 2025.
Shami, who underwent ankle surgery after finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 wickets at an average of 10.70, has returned to domestic cricket strongly. He has taken 15 wickets for Bengal in this season’s Ranji Trophy, bowling over 90 overs in three games.
Despite his consistent fitness and performance, the selectors appear to have turned to younger pacers such as Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep for red-ball duties.
Ganguly Emphasizes Fitness and Communication
Ganguly believes that clear communication between the selectors and the veteran pacer is key. “I’m sure the selectors are watching, and there is communication between Mohammed Shami and the selectors. But fitness-wise and skill-wise, he’s back to his best.”
With India not scheduled to play another Test for the next six months, speculation is rife about whether Shami’s final Test appearance came in the WTC Final against Australia in June 2023.
Ganguly on Dhruv Jurel’s Test Chances
Shifting focus to India’s upcoming South Africa Test series, Ganguly also spoke about Dhruv Jurel, who impressed with back-to-back centuries in the unofficial Tests against South Africa ‘A’.
“He’s playing well, isn’t he? Rishabh is back, so I don’t know what the selectors are thinking. Maybe they’ll look at No. 3, whether they want to go with Sai Sudharsan or bring in our in-form Dhruv Jurel,” Ganguly explained.
Ganguly added that India remain firm favourites at home, given their potent spin attack and a strong core of young batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant.
“This young team has been fantastic,” Ganguly said. “They played exceptionally well in England. With players like Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, and Jadeja, India are a bundle of talent.”
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