“Don’t see any reason why you can’t be playing test matches”- Sourav Ganguly bats for Mohammed Shami's India comeback

Mohammed Shami last played a test for India in 2023.

Sourav Ganguly, former Indian captain, has welcomed Mohamed Shami‘s return to the test side ahead of the India vs South Africa 2025 test series. His comments came after the Bengal pacer had been routinely passed over across formats, with top selector Ajit Agarkar blaming fitness issues.  

Shami last appeared in an international match during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and has since been sidelined. Shami last played a T20I for India against England earlier this year and a test match back in 2023, when India and Australia clashed in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final.

However, Agarkar revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection panel really wanted Shami to go on the England tour, given Jasprit Bumrah’s limited availability. But the pacer refused, citing his ongoing recovery, and stated that he wasn’t ready for international cricket.

In the aftermath, Shami has not been considered for the Australia white-ball tour or the home series against the West Indies and South Africa, with Agarkar stating they need to see Shami in rhythm and check his fitness before considering him for the Indian team.

I’m sure the selectors are watching – Sourav Ganguly says Mohammed Shami will make an India comeback soon

Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Ganguly told reporters at the Eden Gardens that Shami shouldn’t be playing test cricket for any reason. He clarified that the seasoned pacer had already taken 15 wickets in three Ranji Trophy 2025/26 games.  

Ganguly stated that, given his talent, there is no reason why Shami cannot play in all game formats for India, even though he hopes there is adequate communication between the selectors and Shami.

“Shami is great; he’s bowling exceptionally well. You saw in the 2-3 Ranji Trophy matches where he’s won Bengal on his own. I’m sure the selectors are watching. I’m sure there is communication between Shami and the selectors; I don’t know. But if you ask me in terms of fitness and skill, it’s Mohammed Shami we know of. So I really don’t see any reason why you can’t be playing test matches, ODIs, or T20Is for India because that skill is enormous,” Ganguly said as per PTI.

Mohammed Shami will likely play for Bengal in their upcoming Ranji Trophy game at Kalyani in Kolkata and then the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to audition for the IPL 2026.

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