Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Ganguly Rejects Shami Neglect Claims, Backs Kishan Test Comeback
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 helped East Zone win the Duleep Trophy after 13 years.
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 performances in domestic cricket.
Shami helped East Zone win the Duleep Trophy after a 13-year wait.
Ganguly backed Ishan Kishan’s potential Test return after strong performances in domestic finals.
Kishan last played Test cricket 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.
- When
- Ganguly made the comments on Thursday; Kishan last played a Test in July 2023.
- Where
- Ganguly spoke to reporters at Eden Gardens in Kolkata; the performances discussed took place in domestic cricket.
- Why
- Ganguly cited Shami’s achievements and domestic form, and Kishan’s strong performances in major domestic finals.
Selection Concerns
Ganguly’s View
Is Shami being neglected?
Selection Concerns
The concern is that Shami’s absence from India’s national team could indicate that 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 continues to perform in domestic cricket.
Shami’s World Cup prospects
Selection Concerns
Shami’s chances of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup remain uncertain because Ganguly declined to predict his selection.
Ganguly’s View
Ganguly said the tournament is still a long way off, so it is too early to comment on Shami’s prospects.
Kishan’s Test return
Selection Concerns
Kishan’s return is not guaranteed and depends on his continued performances and selection.
Ganguly’s View
Ganguly expressed optimism, citing Kishan’s strong performances in the finals of the Vijay Hazare, Syed Mushtaq Ali, and Duleep Trophy.
- Shami’s national-team status
- Shami has been out of India’s national team since the Champions Trophy 2025.
- Shami’s age
- The articles identify Mohammed Shami as 36 years old.
- Shami’s domestic form
- Shami has 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 whether Shami would play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
