'Mohammad Shami is Fit and Must Play': Former Captain Sourav Ganguly Slams Team Selection

Kolkata: Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has once again forced the selectors to think. The former captain says that Mohammed Shami is completely fit, and he should be a part of Team India in every format—be it Test, ODI or T20. Ganguly raised questions on Shami's exclusion from the two-Test series against South Africa: "I don't understand why Shami is not being played. He is single-handedly leading Bengal to victory in the Ranji Trophy."

Ganguly himself has been an experienced player and knows how much experience matters on the field. World Cup 2023 was not that long ago, when Shami gave a new lift to India's hopes with his 24 wickets.

How was the performance in the Ranji Trophy?

Shami has made a strong comeback on the Ranji Trophy field. Bowled 91 overs in three matches, took 15 wickets—may not have gotten wickets against Tripura, but the old rhythm returned. Ganguly told Hindustan Times, "Shami is what we know. There is no lack of fitness and skill. The selectors should talk to him, but it would be wrong to keep him out." Shami, who suffered ankle surgery after the 2023 World Cup, will be away from international cricket after the Champions Trophy (March 2025). But domestically he seemed back in the saddle—taking Bengal to the brink of the playoffs.

What are the selectors betting on?

Selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar selected fast bowlers like Bumrah, Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep for the SA series, but the absence of Shami's name raised questions. Ganguly said that Shami can play in Test, ODI, and T20. It is good to give opportunities to the youth, but do not sideline the experience. The report suggests that Agarkar's team is betting on young talent, but a striker like Shami seems to be the missing ring in the race for the WTC final.

What will be the effect of this statement?

This statement of Ganguly will definitely put pressure on the selectors– especially when the Bumrah-Shami pair had made the opposition cry from 2019 to 2023. Will Shami's wait end? Any surprise announcement before the Bengaluru Test (15 November)? Or will the selectors trust the youth?