Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has backed for the return of Mohammed Shami in India colours and also pointed to the pacer’s recent performances that deserves for his inclusion.
“He should be bowling at the other end of Bumrah, nowhere else. That’s how good he is. We all saw that spell the other night against SunRisers Hyderabad – four overs, nine runs against two of the best T20 players, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. That was phenomenal,” said Ganguly while speaking during the inauguration of the third season of the Bengal Pro T20 League on Tuesday.
In Lucknow Super Giants last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Shami returned figures of 2 for 9 which earned him the Player of the Match award.
Ganguly also highlighted Shami’s performance in the Ranji Trophy and the big role he played in carrying Bengal to the semifinal.
“He had a strong Ranji Trophy season for Bengal. I still remember that semifinal – even though Bengal lost, he picked up eight wickets. He was instrumental in taking the team that far,” he said.
Despite being ignored by the selectors, Ganguly appreciated the 35-year-old’s hunger to play domestic matches. “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,” he added.
“He looks fit and sharp. After bowling consistently for months, you naturally reach peak conditions – no amount of training matches that. I wish him all the best and would love to see him back in India colours,” the former BCCI president said.
Ganguly too is a fan of Shami’s bowling and want to see him back in India colours. Moreover, Shami was one of the leading wicket-takers in this season’s Ranji Trophy, claiming 37 wickets at an average of 16.72.
“I still believe he should play for India. Hopefully, his time will come again because he’s that good. When the ball comes out with that upright seam, it’s a treat to watch,” Ganguly also said.
Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors had said earlier that the door is not closed for Shami, but he hinted at “match fitness” as a criteria for selection. On the contrary, Shami believes he has proved that playing in domestic cricket.
In the 2025-26 domestic season, playing for Bengal, he took 67 wickets across the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Shami was also present at the event and said: “Hum mazdoor aadmi hain, humein bas ball daalni hai (we are like labourers, we just have to keep bowling).”
“There will be ups and downs in life — injuries and all — but you should never forget your ground-level hard work.
“If you chase too many ‘fancy things’, that becomes your weakness. Nowadays everyone is after social media.” The Uttar Pradesh-born pacer stressed that his hunger for the game remains intact.
“I’m born into a farmer’s family and I’ve not left my roots. As a player, I still have that hunger. If you want to play at that level again, you must have that drive in you.
“For me, domestic cricket is as important as any format. I always prioritise domestic cricket, and I’ve always said this — even though I was born in Uttar Pradesh, Bengal is my ‘karm bhoomi’.
“Jab tak mere andar khelne ke liye jaan hai mein Bengal ke liye kheloonga (as long as I have the strength and motivation in me, I will keep playing for Bengal),” he added.
