Mohammed Shami’s career has been defined by skill, heart and perseverance. One of India’s finest fast bowlers, he has carried the team through many tough spells with his accuracy, swing and ability to strike at crucial moments. Even at 35, Shami continues to impress, most recently in the Ranji Trophy, where his fiery spells reminded everyone why he remains one of the most reliable match-winners of India. Yet, despite his performances, the seasoned pacer finds himself on the sidelines.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has now spoken out against the selectors’ decision to overlook Mohammed Shami for recent series. The fast bowler last played a Test for India in June 2023 during the World Test Championship final against Australia and was also part of the Champions Trophy final in 2025. His last T20I came earlier that year against England. Since then, the selectors led by Ajit Agarkar have repeatedly ignored him for both home and away series, including tours of England, the West Indies and South Africa.
Speaking to reporters in Kolkata ahead of the upcoming India–South Africa Test at Eden Gardens, Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at Mohammed Shami’s exclusion. He pointed out that the pacer’s recent domestic performances clearly show he is still in top form. Referring to Shami’s outings for Bengal, Ganguly said that the veteran has been bowling exceptionally well and remains fit, adding that he has single-handedly won matches for his state side this season.
The former captain emphasised that Mohammed Shami’s fitness and skill levels are as strong as ever. He suggested that the selectors should take a closer look at his performances and reconsider his omission. Sourav Ganguly said that a bowler of Shami’s class still has the ability to contribute in all the three formats and that his experience is invaluable for Indian cricket.
Mohammed Shami’s numbers in the ongoing Ranji Trophy back up Sourav Ganguly’s faith. In three matches for Bengal, he has already taken 15 wickets. At Eden Gardens, he dismantled Uttarakhand’s batting lineup with seven wickets across both innings and followed it up with a nine-wicket match haul against Gujarat, leading Bengal to a dominant victory.
For a player who continues to deliver with consistency and determination, Sourav Ganguly’s words resonate deeply. At a time when India is searching for reliable fast-bowling options, his message is clear — Mohammed Shami’s journey is far from over and his place in the national team still deserves to be his own.
