Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has backed Mohammed Shami to once again play for India. Shami returned with outstanding figures of 2-9 in his quota of four overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday. The fast bowler bamboozled SRH openers – Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head – with slower deliveries.
Shami was traded to LSG ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction after he was bought for INR 10 crore by SRH in the mega auction. The fast bowler has performed consistently in the domestic circuit for Bengal but he has been continuously ignored by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel.
Shami didn’t have a great run in IPL 2025, taking six wickets in nine matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad at an average of 56.16 and a high economy rate of 11.23.
“He should be bowling at the other end of Bumrah, nowhere else. That’s how good he is. We all saw that spell the other night against SunRisers Hyderabad – four overs, nine runs against two of the best T20 players, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. That was phenomenal,” Ganguly said during the inauguration of the third season of the Bengal Pro T20 League on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Shami scalped 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches of the previous season at an average of 16.73 and played a key role in taking Bengal to the semifinal of the tournament.
“He had a strong Ranji Trophy season for Bengal. I still remember that semi-final – even though Bengal lost, he picked up eight wickets. He was instrumental in taking the team that far,” Ganguly said.
Ganguly is delighted to note that Shami wants to keep playing in the Ranji Trophy to prove his mettle.
“I’m very happy he wants to keep playing in the Ranji Trophy. It’s tough for a fast bowler, but there’s nothing better than watching Mohammed Shami run in with the new ball,” he added.
“He looks fit and sharp. After bowling consistently for months, you naturally reach peak conditions – no amount of training matches that. I wish him all the best and would love to see him back in India colours,” Ganguly said.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will next take on Punjab Kings at New Chandigarh on Saturday.
