Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Sourav Ganguly has once again stepped into the heart of Indian cricket’s biggest ongoing debate, voicing firm support for Mohammed Shami’s return to the national team across formats. The former India captain believes Shami is not just fit again but bowling at a level that deserves immediate international recognition. Yet, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee appears to have shifted its focus elsewhere, leaving the 35-year-old out of the squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa. The veteran pacer has not featured in India colours since the Champions Trophy in March, and his omission has stirred a fresh round of discussion.

Speaking on Monday after being unveiled as the global brand ambassador of Kabuni, a UK-based AI-driven sports coaching platform, Ganguly didn’t hide his admiration for Shami’s recent red-ball form. The Bengal speedster has claimed 15 wickets from three Ranji Trophy games this season, almost single-handedly securing victories for his state in the first two matches. Although he went wicketless against Tripura, Shami has bowled 91 overs so far, showing the kind of stamina and rhythm that elite fast bowlers are judged on.

To Ganguly, the effectiveness is unmistakable. He highlighted that Shami’s ankle surgery after the 2023 World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps at a stunning average of just 10.70, has not diminished his potency. If anything, the comeback spells have reassured him. Ganguly said he has no doubt that Shami still possesses everything required to play Test cricket, ODIs, and T20Is for India.

He insisted that selectors are surely keeping an eye on Shami and that communication between the bowler and the selection panel is ongoing. But he also made it clear that, from a purely cricketing perspective, there is no reason to sideline a bowler whose skill level remains world class. Whether the committee sees Shami as part of India’s future plans, however, remains uncertain, especially with no Test cricket scheduled for India over the next six months. With younger pacers like Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep becoming increasingly central to India’s long-format plans, and with the 2027 ODI World Cup two years away, recurring injuries could weigh against Shami.

Ganguly, meanwhile, also shared his thoughts on another selection puzzle as the South Africa series approaches. With the first Test set to begin on Friday at Eden Gardens, he expressed hope that wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel finds his way into the playing XI. Ganguly praised Jurel’s form, especially after his twin centuries against South Africa A in Bengaluru. But he acknowledged the challenge of fitting him into a settled middle order that already includes Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja.

He pointed out that the No. 3 slot might be the only realistic opening, currently held by Sai Sudharsan. Whether the team management wants to persist with Sudharsan or reward Jurel’s sizzling domestic form is a question that remains unanswered.

As for Rishabh Pant, his return from the foot fracture suffered in Manchester earlier this year adds another layer to India’s batting strength. Pant’s comeback, combined with recent outstanding performances from young batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and the consistency of Gill, Rahul and Jadeja, gives India a formidable look ahead of a home series.

Ganguly believes India remain overwhelming favourites against South Africa, especially on home soil where their spin attack becomes a decisive factor. He praised the team’s recent showings in England and reiterated that this young group has the talent and temperament to dominate.