Former India captain and current President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), Sourav Ganguly, has expressed his belief that Mohammed Shami should not be excluded from the Indian team. Shami has been absent from the national team since their victory in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.
Despite being left out of the recent white-ball series in Australia, chief selector Ajit Agarkar disclosed that Shami’s non-inclusion was due to fitness concerns after regular discussions with the fast bowler. Ganguly, however, contends that Shami is in excellent shape, demonstrating his prowess by bowling extended spells for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, which warrants his inclusion in all formats of the team.
Speaking at an event in Kolkata, Ganguly praised Shami’s recent performances in the Ranji Trophy, highlighting his crucial role in securing victories for Bengal. Shami himself has affirmed his fitness readiness for international duties, implying a potential miscommunication with the team management. Nevertheless, Shami was not picked for the recent Test series against the West Indies or the Australian limited-overs tour.
While Shami did not participate in the fourth round of the ongoing Ranji Trophy, he showcased impressive form in the initial three matches for Bengal, taking 15 wickets in 93 overs at an average of 15.13, with a best of 5/38. His last Test appearance was in 2023 during the World Test Championship final against Australia. However, with selectors focusing on nurturing a new generation of fast bowlers, Shami’s prospects in the Test team seem uncertain.