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Ganguly backs Shami and Kishan amid India Test selection questions
Sourav Ganguly said Mohammed Shami has not been forgotten by India’s selectors.
He called Shami an “absolute champion.”
Shami has continued playing and performing in domestic cricket.
He also helped East Zone win the Duleep Trophy.
Ganguly said older players are sometimes left out of national teams.
He also praised Ishan Kishan for scoring important runs in domestic finals.
Ganguly hopes Kishan can return to Test cricket.
Kishan last played a Test match for India in July 2023.
Sourav Ganguly rejected claims that Mohammed Shami is being neglected by Indian selectors.
Ganguly called Shami an “absolute champion” and praised his continued domestic performances.
Shami helped East Zone win the Duleep Trophy after a 13-year wait.
Ganguly backed Ishan Kishan for a Test return after strong performances in major domestic finals.
Kishan last played a Test for India against the West Indies in July 2023.
- Who
- Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, pacer Mohammed Shami, and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan.
- What
- Ganguly defended Shami’s selection status and supported Kishan’s possible return to Test cricket.
- Where
- The comments were made at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while the performances discussed came in domestic cricket.
- When
- Ganguly made the comments on Thursday; Kishan last played a Test in July 2023.
- Why
- Ganguly cited Shami’s achievements and domestic form, and Kishan’s strong performances in major domestic finals.
Selection Concern
Ganguly’s View
Is Shami being neglected?
Selection Concern
The suggestion is that Shami’s absence from the national team indicates he is being neglected by the senior men’s selection panel.
Ganguly’s View
Ganguly rejected that characterization, saying Shami has played a lot, remains an “absolute champion,” and that older players can sometimes be left out.
Kishan’s Test prospects
Selection Concern
Kishan’s return is not guaranteed, as the article describes it as a possibility based on his domestic performances.
Ganguly’s View
Ganguly expressed optimism, saying Kishan’s performances in major finals could support a return to Test cricket.
Key facts
- Shami’s national-team status
- He has been out of India’s national team since the Champions Trophy 2025.
- Shami’s age
- The article identifies Mohammed Shami as 36 years old.
- Shami’s domestic form
- He continued playing domestic cricket and helped East Zone win the Duleep Trophy.
- Duleep Trophy result
- East Zone won the competition after a 13-year wait.
- Kishan’s last Test
- Ishan Kishan last played for India against the West Indies in July 2023.
- Kishan’s cited performances
- Ganguly highlighted Kishan’s performances in the Vijay Hazare, Syed Mushtaq Ali, and Duleep Trophy finals.
- 2027 World Cup outlook
- Ganguly said it was too early to predict Shami’s chances of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Quotes
Sourav Ganguly
Former India captain and CAB president
“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”
rediff.com
“I spoke to Kishan this afternoon. It's terrific and remarkable. Every young player wants to play Test cricket, and hopefully he will.”
rediff.com
Sources
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