Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has strongly backed pacer Mohammed Shami’s return to the national cricket team, saying the veteran fast bowler remains fit, skilled, and capable of performing in all formats. Despite his impressive domestic form, Shami has once again been left out of India’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, starting Friday at Eden Gardens.

Ganguly says Shami still has ‘enormous skill’

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Ganguly expressed surprise over Shami’s continued exclusion. “Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit, and we saw that in the three Ranji Trophy matches where he’s won Bengal games on his own,” Ganguly said, according to PTI.

The 35-year-old pacer has picked up 15 wickets in the first two Ranji Trophy matches this season, showcasing his consistency and match-winning ability. Although he went wicketless in Bengal’s game against Tripura, his performances in the earlier rounds demonstrated that he has fully recovered from his ankle injury.

“I’m sure the selectors are watching, and there is communication between Shami and the selection committee. But if you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the same Mohammed Shami we know. I really don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing Test, ODI, and T20 cricket for India, because that skill is enormous,” Ganguly added.

Shami’s recovery after ankle surgery

Shami underwent ankle surgery following the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets at an average of 10.70. His stellar run helped India reach the final, cementing his position as one of the world’s most dangerous fast bowlers in limited-overs cricket.

However, since that tournament, Shami has not featured in any international match. His last appearance for India came during the Champions Trophy in March 2024, after which he focused on rehabilitation and domestic cricket.

Selectors look beyond the veteran pacer

Despite his strong comeback in domestic cricket, Shami was left out of India’s 15-member squad for the Test series against South Africa. The national selectors have instead turned to younger pacers such as Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep, who have impressed with their pace and control.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup still two years away, the selectors appear to be prioritising fitness and workload management, especially for senior fast bowlers. Shami’s history of injuries — particularly to his ankle and knee — could be a factor influencing their cautious approach.

Ganguly’s call for experience in the bowling lineup

Ganguly, however, believes that Shami’s experience and control make him indispensable in high-pressure situations. “India needs bowlers like Shami who can deliver under tough conditions. His seam position, discipline, and consistency make him one of the finest fast bowlers in world cricket,” Ganguly said.

He also emphasised that Shami’s ability to adapt across formats remains a major strength. “We’ve seen him bowl with the same intensity in red-ball and white-ball cricket. Players like him are assets, and India should use his experience wisely,” he added.

The road ahead for Shami

As Bengal continues its domestic season, Shami’s focus remains on maintaining fitness and rhythm. Sources in the Bengal Cricket Association indicated that the bowler could be considered for future international assignments if he continues to perform consistently and clears fitness benchmarks set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

For now, India’s pace attack against South Africa will rely on a mix of youth and experience, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pack alongside Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep.

Conclusion

While the selectors appear to be preparing a new pace core for the future, Ganguly’s remarks underscore that experience remains a key ingredient in India’s success. Whether or not Shami returns soon, his domestic form and proven match-winning ability ensure that his name will continue to feature prominently in selection debates.