Sourav Ganguly Says Mohammed Shami Is Not Being Neglected by Selectors
Sourav Ganguly has dismissed suggestions that Mohammed Shami is being neglected by India's selectors. The veteran pacer has continued performing in domestic cricket after his last India appearance in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Sourav Ganguly has rejected claims that Mohammed Shami is being overlooked by India's selectors, saying the veteran fast bowler has already achieved a great deal and remains an “absolute champion”.
Shami, 36, has not represented India since the Champions Trophy in 2025, where he played a key role in the team's title-winning campaign. Since then, the pacer has continued to play domestic cricket and recently helped East Zone win the Duleep Trophy, ending a 13-year wait for the title.
Ganguly backs Shami's domestic performances
Speaking to reporters at Eden Gardens, Ganguly praised Shami for continuing to turn up for domestic matches and delivering performances despite being outside 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.
Shami's domestic form has led to questions over whether he could make a comeback before the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ganguly, however, was cautious about making predictions, pointing out that the tournament is still some distance away.
“That's a long way. I can't comment. It's in October (next year). It's a long way,” he said.
'He is not being neglected'
Ganguly was also asked directly whether he believed Shami was being neglected by India's senior men's selection panel.
The former India captain strongly disagreed. He acknowledged that players can find themselves outside the team as they get older, but said such setbacks do not necessarily signal the end of a career.
Ganguly referred to his own experience of being left out of India's one-day World Cup plans despite having already crossed the 10,000-run mark in international cricket.
“He is not being neglected. He has played a lot. He is an absolute champion. But as you grow older, this happens. When I got left out from World Cup one-day cricket for a year, after scoring 10,000 runs, I found my way to come back. So this happens with everyone.”
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