Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has come down hard on the national selectors for repeatedly overlooking Mohammed Shami, despite the veteran pacer showcasing outstanding form in domestic cricket. Shami, widely regarded as one of India’s finest fast bowlers of the modern era, last featured in a Test during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval.

Since then, he has been conspicuously absent from India’s plans across formats. His last ODI outing came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, while his most recent T20I appearance was against England in Mumbai earlier this year.

Despite his stature and match-winning pedigree, Shami has been left out for the tours of England, the West Indies, and the ongoing home series against South Africa. His exclusion drew strong reactions from fans and former players, and now Ganguly has added his voice to the chorus of criticism.

ALSO READ: Mohammed Siraj Excited For South Africa Test Challenge As India Begin Key WTC Battle

Speaking to reporters in Kolkata on Monday (November 10), ahead of the India–South Africa Test at Eden Gardens starting November 14, Ganguly said he sees “absolutely no reason” why Shami shouldn’t continue playing for India. He praised the pacer’s recent Ranji Trophy performances for Bengal, calling his form and fitness “exceptional.”

“Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit, and we saw in the three Ranji Trophy matches how he single-handedly won games for Bengal,” Sourav Ganguly said. He added that Shami’s fitness levels and skillset remain intact, making him more than capable of contributing across formats.

“I’m sure the selectors are watching, and there is communication happening. But if you ask me, this is the same Mohammad Shami we’ve known for years. With that kind of skill, I don’t see why he can’t keep playing Tests, ODIs, and T20Is for India,” he asserted.

ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir and Aakash Chopra React To Tragic Red Fort Blast In Delhi

Shami’s numbers in the ongoing Ranji season back Ganguly’s claims. Across three matches, he has bagged 15 wickets, including match-winning spells at Eden Gardens. Against Uttarakhand, he picked up seven wickets across two innings, and he followed it up with a brilliant 3/44 and 5/38 against Gujarat, powering Bengal to a commanding 141-run victory.

As discussions intensify around India’s pace options, Ganguly’s strong endorsement has reignited the debate over Shami’s prolonged absence from the national setup.