Kamal Ghorui
Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has thrown his weight behind Mohammed Shami, urging selectors to bring the experienced pacer back into India’s national setup. Speaking at an event in Kolkata ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders’ clash with Lucknow Super Giants, Ganguly made a strong case for Shami’s return, stating that the veteran should be sharing the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah.Currently representing Lucknow Super Giants after a Rs 10 crore move from Sunrisers Hyderabad, Shami has made an immediate impact in IPL 2026 with standout performances.Against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5, he delivered a remarkable spell of 2/9 in four overs, including 18 dot balls, dismissing dangerous openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head early in the innings. Earlier, against Delhi Capitals, he struck on the very first ball, removing KL Rahul for a golden duck and finishing with figures of 1/28.Ganguly was particularly impressed with Shami’s spell against SRH, calling it “phenomenal” given the quality of opposition.“He should be bowling at the other end of Jasprit 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,” Ganguly said.Domestic Form and Fitness in FocusThe former India captain also highlighted Shami’s strong domestic performances, recalling his eight-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy semi-final for Bengal.“He had a strong Ranji Trophy season for Bengal. I still remember that semi-final, even though Bengal lost, he picked up eight wickets. He was instrumental in taking the team that far, 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 said. Despite his consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, Shami remains out of India’s setup under chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Ganguly, however, believes the pacer still has plenty to offer at the highest level.“He looks fit and sharp. After bowling consistently, you reach peak condition. I still believe he should play for India. Hopefully, his time will come again because he’s that good,” Ganguly added.
