Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has offered a straightforward assessment of Mohammed Shami’s continued absence from the national team. Ganguly insisted that the veteran pacer is not being neglected despite his impressive performances in domestic cricket.
Shami has been away from India’s Test setup since early 2023 and has not featured in the white-ball team since the Champions Trophy in March 2025. His consistent performances in domestic cricket have raised questions about whether the selectors have moved on from the experienced fast bowler.
However, Ganguly believes Shami’s situation is simply part of the reality of professional cricket. The former India captain also pointed to his own career as an example of how even established players can find themselves outside the national team.
Sourav Ganguly defends Mohammed Shami’s fightback
Speaking to reporters after the Duleep Trophy Final on Thursday, Ganguly praised Shami for continuing to turn up and perform despite being out of the national setup.
“What makes me happy for Shami is that he turns out day in and day out in domestic cricket and performs. It is terrific to see. He has achieved so much,” Ganguly said.
The former India skipper then related Shami’s situation to his own experience of being dropped despite having an established international record.
Ganguly recalled being left out of India’s ODI plans for a year despite having already crossed the 10,000-run mark in international cricket. According to him, exclusion can happen to even the most accomplished players, regardless of their previous achievements.
Ganguly was particularly clear when asked whether Shami’s absence should be viewed as neglect by the selectors.
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“He is not being neglected. He has played a lot. He is an absolute champion. But as you grow older, this happens,” Ganguly explained.
He added that he had managed to find his way back into the Indian team after his own difficult period. Ganguly suggested that Shami’s current situation should also be viewed in a similar context.
The comments come amid growing debate over whether the 36-year-old fast bowler still has a future with India. Shami’s experience and record continue to make him an important name, but the selectors will ultimately decide whether he fits into their plans going forward.
Ganguly uncertain about Shami’s 2027 World Cup chances
When asked whether Shami could still feature in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ganguly refused to make a prediction.
“That’s a long way. I can’t comment. It’s in October (next year). It’s a long way,” he said.
Ganguly’s response highlights the uncertainty surrounding Shami’s international future. With the World Cup still some distance away, there is plenty of time for the fast bowler to make another strong case for selection.
Shami continues to impress in domestic cricket
While his India comeback remains uncertain, Shami has continued to produce strong numbers in domestic cricket.
The experienced pacer claimed 37 wickets in the Ranji Trophy at an average of 17, before adding another 15 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has also continued to feature in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Duleep Trophy.
Those performances demonstrate that Shami remains determined to stay competitive despite being outside India’s current plans. He has continued to take wickets and put himself in a position where the selectors cannot ignore his performances.
For now, the fast bowler’s focus appears to be on continuing to perform rather than dwelling on his omission. His domestic form keeps the door open, while Ganguly’s comments suggest that Shami’s absence should not automatically be interpreted as the end of his India career.
With the 2027 World Cup still ahead, Shami has time to make his case. Whether that leads to another India comeback, however, will depend on his performances and the selectors’ plans.
