Sourav Ganguly has sent a clear message to BCCI selectors—Mohammed Shami deserves to be back in the Indian team across all formats. The former India captain says Shami’s fitness and skill remain top-notch despite being ignored for the upcoming South Africa series.​

Ganguly Backs Shami’s Return

“Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit, and we saw that in the three Ranji Trophy matches, where he won games for Bengal on his own,” Ganguly said Monday after being announced as global brand ambassador of Kabuni, a UK-based AI-driven sports coaching platform.​

The Cricket Association of Bengal president made his stance unequivocal. “If you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the Mohammad Shami we know. So I really don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing Test matches, One-Day cricket, and T20 cricket for India. Because that skill is enormous,” Ganguly stated.​

Ranji Trophy Performances

Shami has claimed 15 wickets to help Bengal secure successive wins in their first two Ranji Trophy matches before going wicketless against Tripura. He has bowled 91 overs across three matches this season, demonstrating his fitness after ankle surgery following the 2023 World Cup.​

At that tournament, Shami finished as the leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps at an astonishing average of 10.70. His performances helped India reach the final before losing to Australia.​

Selection Committee’s Stance

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee appears to have moved on from the 35-year-old pacer, who last played for India during the Champions Trophy in March. Shami was notably absent from the squad for the two-Test series against South Africa starting Friday.​

In Test cricket, Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep have become integral parts of the pace attack, potentially blocking Shami’s path back. With no red-ball assignments for India over the next six months, questions arise whether Shami has already played his last Test—the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023.​

ODI World Cup Concerns

Looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, still two years away, Shami’s recurring injury concerns could influence selectors’ thinking. At 37 by then, his age and injury history may make the selection committee cautious about investing in him long-term.​

However, Ganguly believes Shami’s skill set is too valuable to ignore. “I’m sure the selectors are watching, and there is communication between Mohammad Shami and the selectors,” he acknowledged.​

Jurel’s Selection Dilemma

Turning his attention to the South Africa series, Ganguly expressed hope that Dhruv Jurel finds a place purely on batting merit. “He’s playing well, isn’t he? Rishabh is back, and I don’t know what the selectors are thinking,” Ganguly said.​

He outlined the challenge facing selectors. “Basically, the spots are taken—two openers, (Shubman) Gill at 4, Pant at 5, KL (Rahul), (Ravindra) Jadeja are there. Players have performed. How easy will it be to open up a slot for Dhruv Jurel at this stage, I wouldn’t know,” Ganguly explained.​

He suggested number three as a potential option, with Sai Sudharsan currently the incumbent. “But it depends on whom they want to send at No. 3—whether they want to go with Sai Sudharsan or bring in our in-form Dhruv. We’ll find out,” Ganguly added.​

Jurel has been in red-hot form, scoring centuries in both innings against South Africa A in Bengaluru—twin unbeaten knocks of 132 and 127 that made him only the second Indian after Naman Ojha to achieve the feat.

India Favorites at Home

Ganguly tipped India as overwhelming favorites for the South Africa series. “Because India’s spin attack is very good. And this young team went to England three months ago and played exceptionally well. It was a fantastic series to watch—exceptional performances by Gill, Yashasvi (Jaiswal), Rahul, Pant. They’ve been exceptional. Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Jadeja… India are a bundle of talent,” he stated.​

The series marks Rishabh Pant’s return after recovering from the foot fracture sustained during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July. His comeback, combined with India’s strong home record, makes them clear favorites against the reigning World Test Champions.