NEW DELHI: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has doubled down on his demand for Mohammed Shami’s Test comeback, saying India cannot afford to overlook the veteran pacer after their dramatic 30-run defeat to South Africa at the Eden Gardens. With India’s thin bowling depth exposed and the pitch coming under fire, Ganguly said the solution lies in trusting the proven fast-bowling trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Shami.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Shami, who last played a Test in the 2023 World Test Championship final, has been out of the red-ball setup despite a stellar Champions Trophy return and strong Ranji Trophy performances. He has taken 17 wickets in four matches this season and looks fully fit after a long injury layoff.
Speaking to Sports Tak, Ganguly stressed that India must rebuild around their strongest pacers rather than chase short-term fixes.“He must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj and Shami,” Ganguly said. “I think Shami deserves a place in this Test team. Shami and the spinners will win Tests for him [Gautam Gambhir].”Ganguly also delivered a sharp message for coach Gambhir regarding India’s pitch preparation. After India failed to chase 124 on a turning Eden surface, the former BCCI president warned that India cannot hope to win Test matches without solid batting foundations.
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“Play on good wickets. If his batters aren’t putting up 350–400, he will not win Tests,” Ganguly said. “He must play on good wickets. And trust his people. And win Tests in five days — not in three.”This is not the first time Ganguly has backed Shami. Ahead of the series as well, he insisted the selectors should not look past the 35-year-old.Speaking to PTI, Ganguly again highlighted Shami’s form and fitness: “Shami is bowling exceptionally well… I really don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing Tests, ODIs and T20s. The skill is enormous.”Despite his Ranji form, Shami was not picked for the two-Test South Africa series, with selectors preferring Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep.
