Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has strongly criticized the national selectors for ignoring Mohammed Shami.
The veteran pacer, regarded as one of India’s finest fast bowlers and he last represented the country in a Test match during the 2023 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval. Shami’s most recent ODI appearance came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, while his last T20I outing was against England in Mumbai on February 2.
Mohammed Shami was overlooked by the BCCI selectors for India’s away series in England as well as the subsequent home series against the West Indies and South Africa. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee’s decision to exclude the veteran pacer had already drawn criticism from Shami himself last month. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has joined the debate and slamming the selectors for keeping the experienced bowler out of the national squad.
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While speaking to reporters in Kolkata on Monday (November 10), ahead of the first India–South Africa Test at Eden Gardens starting November 14. Sourav Ganguly said he sees no valid reason why Mohammed Shami cannot continue playing for India.
Ganguly cited Mohammed Shami’s impressive performances in recent Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal. He stating that the 35-year-old pacer is fully fit and continues to bowl exceptionally well.
Sourav Ganguly said,
“Shami is bowling exceptionally well, He is fit and we saw in the three Ranji Trophy matches, where he’s won Bengal on his own”.
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“I am sure the selectors are keeping an eye on him, and there is constant communication between Mohammed Shami and the selection committee. But if you ask me in terms of fitness and skill, this is the same Mohammed Shami we have always known. I really don’t see any reason why he can’t continue playing Test matches One-Day Internationals and T20 cricket for India.”
Mohammed Shami has been in outstanding form in the ongoing 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season for Bengal having taken 15 wickets in just three matches so far. In Bengal’s opening game against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens, Shami claimed three wickets in the first innings and four in the second.
He followed it up with another stellar performance against Gujarat at the same venue, returning figures of 3/44 in the first innings and 5/38 in the second helping Bengal secure a commanding 141-run victory.
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