Ex-BCCI President questions Mohammed Shami’s exclusion and calls for clear communication

Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has come out in support of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, who has been out of international cricket since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. Ganguly stated that he still sees the senior pacer as a valuable option for India in every format, given his recent performances.

Shami is making a strong statement with his on-field performances. In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the experienced fast bowler has been consistently among the wickets, using every outing to remind selectors of his value. He picked up a four-wicket haul for Bengal against Haryana on Monday, December 8.

Hope the Selectors Are Watching Mohammed Shami's Performance - Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly questioned why Mohammed Shami continues to be kept out of the national setup despite his form and experience. Ganguly urged the selection committee to take a closer look at the veteran’s recent domestic performances. He added that Shami still has plenty to offer across formats.

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“I hope the selectors are watching Shami’s performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I hope there is proper communication between the selectors and Shami,” Ganguly said.

“If you ask me in terms of fitness and skills, I really don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing Test matches, One-Day cricket, and T20Is for India because his skill is enormous,” he added.

Mohammed Shami’s India Future Remains Uncertain

Mohammed Shami’s place in the Indian team has been uncertain ever since he had ankle surgery after the 2023 World Cup. He recovered after the surgery, but repeated injuries stopped him from getting back into the squad.

The right-arm pacer was considered for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia but wasn’t selected. He returned to the team during the Champions Trophy 2025, where he took nine wickets in five matches. However, he has not played for India since.

The 35-year-old may not have many years left, but he still has the skill and experience to help the team. With Jasprit Bumrah being managed carefully and Mohammed Siraj needing more support, Shami could still play an important role in the pace attack.

Debate Around Mohammed Shami’s Absence Grows As Former Players Question Selectors

The debate around Mohammed Shami’s absence from the Indian team has grown, with more former players questioning the selectors. Harbhajan Singh expressed surprise that a proven match-winner continues to be overlooked while less experienced bowlers are given preference.

He argued that India’s strength has always come from a mix of fresh talent and experienced performers. Singh stated that by excluding someone of Shami’s calibre, the team risks weakening its bowling depth in key white-ball matches.

As more voices echo similar concerns, Shami’s omission has become part of a broader conversation about how selectors evaluate form, experience, and domestic performances. It will be interesting to see whether the current approach affects India’s long-term balance and competitiveness.

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