Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his weight behind Mohammed Shami’s push for a return to the national team, pointing to the bowler’s strong run in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026. Ganguly’s comments came as Lucknow Super Giants prepare to take on Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata.
Quick facts
- Sourav Ganguly backed Mohammed Shami for an immediate India comeback.
- Ganguly cited Shami’s IPL 2026 form for Lucknow Super Giants.
- He referenced Shami’s spell of 4 overs for 9 runs versus Sunrisers Hyderabad, featuring Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.
- Shami’s figures of 2 for 9 earned him Player of the Match honours.
- Ganguly pointed to Shami’s Ranji Trophy impact for Bengal, including a semi-final where Shami took eight wickets despite a defeat.
- He praised Shami’s fitness and his hunger to keep playing domestic cricket.
- Shami remains outside India’s current group under chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Speaking in Kolkata ahead of the Lucknow-KKR match, Ganguly said Shami should be used in the most demanding role in India’s XI. “He should be bowling at the other end of Jasprit Bumrah, nowhere else. That’s how good he is,” he remarked, underscoring the kind of pressure he believes Shami can handle.
Ganguly highlighted what he called a standout performance from Shami in the recent IPL outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He described the spell as “phenomenal,” noting the numbers as four overs for nine runs, delivered against two of the most dangerous T20 batters in Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.
That performance, he added, strengthened Shami’s case for national selection after a match-winning impact. Shami was rewarded with Player of the Match honours for his 2 for 9 figures, and Ganguly said the same rhythm is carrying over into the broader conversation around his inclusion.
Ranji Trophy proof and fast-bowling fitness
Beyond the IPL, Ganguly leaned on Shami’s domestic record, particularly his Ranji Trophy displays for Bengal. He recalled a memorable semi-final moment, saying that even though Bengal did not win the tie, Shami took eight wickets and played a key role in keeping the team in contention.
The former BCCI president also praised Shami’s fitness and motivation, especially his willingness to continue playing domestic cricket. “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,” Ganguly said.
On the physical side of pace bowling, Ganguly argued that Shami is in peak condition. “He looks fit and sharp. After bowling consistently for months, you naturally reach peak condition — no amount of training matches that,” he explained, and he added that he wants to see Shami back in India colours.
Even with his domestic and IPL effectiveness, Shami is still not part of India’s current setup, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar overseeing selection. Ganguly, however, insisted his exclusion should be temporary, saying he believes Shami should be playing for India and that his opportunity should come again.
He also focused on the visual impact Shami brings when the ball is released with upright seam movement. “When the ball comes out with that upright seam, it’s a treat to watch,” Ganguly said, reiterating his support as the debate around his place continues to grow.
With Shami continuing to impress across formats, the discussion around his omission has intensified. The question now is how India can strike the right balance between proven experience and fresh emerging talent in their pace attack, with Shami’s performances keeping him firmly in the spotlight.
