Kolkata: CAB president and former India captain praises Bengal pacer’s Ranji form, says ‘Shami still has plenty to offer’
While the selectors experiment with a younger pace battery, Mohammed Shami has quietly made a loud statement in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season. Representing Bengal, the 35-year-old pacer has already claimed 15 wickets in just three matches at an impressive average of 15.13 — proving he’s far from done.
In Bengal’s opening clash against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens, Shami took seven wickets in the game, including a fiery new-ball burst that rattled the top order. He followed it up with another stellar effort — a five-wicket haul (5/38) against Gujarat — leading Bengal to a dominant 141-run victory. His ability to extract seam movement, maintain pace, and attack relentlessly across long spells has been a reassuring sight for Indian cricket fans.
These performances underline Shami’s fitness and match readiness, making a strong case for his return to India’s pace attack — especially with the home Test series against South Africa beginning November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Ganguly Steps In: ‘No Reason Why Shami Can’t Play for India’
Sourav Ganguly, now serving as President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), has publicly criticised the national selectors for leaving out Shami despite his dominant domestic form.
“Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit, and we saw in the Ranji matches where he’s won Bengal on his own,” Ganguly said in Kolkata.
“I really don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing Test matches, One-day cricket and T20 cricket for India. Because that skill is enormous.”
As CAB president, Ganguly has monitored Shami’s progress closely and lauded his rare all-format versatility.
“Shami’s ability to deliver in all formats is rare. He’s not just a wicket-taker; he brings control, experience, and leadership to the bowling attack,” Ganguly noted.
A Veteran Still in His Prime
Mohammed Shami last played a Test match in June 2023, during the World Test Championship Final against Australia at The Oval. His last ODI appearance came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, while his most recent T20I was against England earlier that year.
Despite a brief break from international cricket, Shami remains one of India’s most effective seamers, with over 400 international wickets to his name. His recent Ranji performances demonstrate that his rhythm and conditioning are as strong as ever.
Selectors’ Stand and Ongoing Debate
The BCCI selection committee has focused on developing younger fast bowlers such as Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep, citing workload management and future planning as reasons behind Shami’s omission.
But Ganguly believes performance should outweigh age and strategy.
“If you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, this is the same Mohammed Shami we’ve known for years,” he said. “When someone is bowling like this, he deserves to play.”
Selectors Cite Fitness Concerns
Earlier, The BCCI selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, maintained that Mohammed Shami’s omission was primarily due to fitness-related concerns rather than performance issues. Agarkar clarified that Shami remains very much in the selectors’ plans but must first prove his physical readiness for the rigours of international cricket.
“Even before the England series we said if he was fit, he would have been on the plane. Unfortunately, he wasn’t, and our domestic season has just started. We’ll see if he is fit enough and where it goes,” said Agarkar.
Board sources also dismissed reports of a communication gap, stating that both the selectors and the BCCI’s sports science team have been in regular touch with the pacer and are monitoring his recovery and workload following his previous injury layoff.
What Lies Ahead
India’s home series against South Africa, beginning November 14, marks the start of an important season for Team India’s red-ball campaign. With Shami showcasing form and fire for Bengal, and the CAB president himself backing his inclusion, the debate over balancing experience with youth has once again taken centre stage.
For now, Shami’s Ranji heroics and Ganguly’s vocal support have sent a clear message — India’s most seasoned pacer is not done yet, and his roar is as fierce as ever.
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