Sourav Ganguly Champions Mohammed Shami's Return to Indian National Cricket Setup
Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has publicly endorsed the recall of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami to India's national cricket team. Speaking at an event in Kolkata ahead of the Kolkata Knight Riders' match against Lucknow Super Giants, Ganguly made a compelling argument for Shami's inclusion, asserting that the experienced bowler deserves to share the new ball with star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
Impressive IPL 2026 Performances Highlight Shami's Form
Mohammed Shami, who joined Lucknow Super Giants from Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 10 crore, has demonstrated exceptional form in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. His standout performance came against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5, where he delivered a remarkable spell of 2/9 in four overs, including 18 dot balls. In that match, he dismissed dangerous openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head early in the innings, showcasing his ability to trouble top-order batsmen.
Earlier in the tournament, Shami made an immediate impact against Delhi Capitals by striking on the very first ball, removing KL Rahul for a golden duck and finishing with figures of 1/28. These performances have solidified his reputation as a match-winning bowler in the T20 format.
Ganguly's "Phenomenal" Praise for Shami's Bowling
Sourav Ganguly expressed particular admiration for Shami's spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad, describing it as "phenomenal" given the quality of opposition. "He should be bowling at the other end of Jasprit Bumrah, nowhere else. That's how good he is," Ganguly emphasized. "We all saw that spell the other night against Sunrisers Hyderabad - four overs, nine runs against two of the best T20 players, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. That was phenomenal."
Strong Domestic Cricket Record and Fitness Focus
The former India captain also highlighted Shami's impressive performances in domestic cricket, specifically recalling his eight-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy semi-final for Bengal. "He had a strong Ranji Trophy season for Bengal. I still remember that semi-final, even though Bengal lost, he picked up eight wickets. He was instrumental in taking the team that far," Ganguly noted.
Ganguly expressed appreciation for Shami's commitment to domestic cricket, stating: "I'm very happy he wants to keep playing in the Ranji Trophy. It's tough for a fast bowler, but there's nothing better than watching Mohammed Shami run in with the new ball."
Current Selection Status and Future Prospects
Despite his consistent performances in both domestic cricket and the IPL, Mohammed Shami remains excluded from India's national setup under chief selector Ajit Agarkar. However, Ganguly remains optimistic about the pacer's potential contribution at the highest level.
"He looks fit and sharp. After bowling consistently, you reach peak condition. I still believe he should play for India. Hopefully, his time will come again because he's that good," Ganguly added, reinforcing his confidence in Shami's abilities and fitness.
Key Points Supporting Shami's Case for Recall
- Exceptional IPL 2026 performances with economical bowling figures
- Proven ability to dismiss top-order batsmen early in matches
- Strong domestic cricket record including eight-wicket haul in Ranji Trophy
- Maintained fitness and sharpness despite being a veteran fast bowler
- Potential to form a formidable new-ball partnership with Jasprit Bumrah
Sourav Ganguly's endorsement carries significant weight in Indian cricket circles, and his public support for Mohammed Shami's return adds pressure on selectors to reconsider the experienced pacer's exclusion from the national team. As the IPL 2026 season progresses, Shami's continued performances will likely keep this discussion at the forefront of Indian cricket selection debates.
