SRH Star Retirement Loding? Fans Furious Over BCCI

Sourav Ganguly has urged BCCI selectors to bring back pacer Mohammed Shami in all formats. Ganguly praised Shami as fit and bowling well, questioning his exclusion from the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa.

Ganguly praises Shami’s domestic form

Ganguly pointed out Shami’s strong performances for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. The 35-year-old has taken 15 wickets in his first three matches this season, single-handedly winning games for Bengal before going wicketless against Tripura.

Shami regains rhythm after surgery

After ankle surgery following the 2023 World Cup, where he was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets at an average of 10.70, Shami has regained his rhythm. Ganguly said the pacer looked fully fit and ready for international cricket again.

Selectors under scrutiny

Ganguly stressed that selectors are in touch with Shami and aware of his form. “If you ask about his fitness and skill, he’s still the Mohammed Shami we know,” Ganguly said. He believes there’s no reason Shami shouldn’t play Tests, ODIs, and T20s for India given his experience and ability.

India’s new pace setup

With India not scheduled for any red-ball games in the next six months, doubts remain over whether Shami has played his last Test. His last appearance was in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep have joined the pace setup, with Shami’s injury history possibly influencing future selections for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Divided opinions among fans

Shami’s omission has divided fans and former players. Some feel his domestic form deserves a recall, while others support the selectors’ cautious approach, given his injuries and India’s plan to develop younger pacers. Many believe leaving out a fit and in-form Shami is unfair and could push him toward early retirement, while others see it as a long-term team strategy.