It’s a debate that’s got every cricket fan in India talking. Legendary former captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has openly questioned the logic behind keeping Mohammed Shami out of the national squad, calling the veteran pacer’s omission a baffling decision that defies logic. “I really don’t see any reason” for Shami’s continued exile, Ganguly declared .
At a time when India is meticulously planning its transition across formats, the exclusion of a world-class bowler who’s proven his fitness and form beyond doubt raises serious questions about the selection committee’s priorities. This controversy isn’t just about one player; it’s about the very philosophy guiding Team India’s future.
Table of Contents
- Ganguly’s Direct Challenge to Agarkar
- Shami’s Undeniable Domestic Dominance
- What’s the Selection Committee’s Reasoning?
- Why Shami is Crucial for India’s ODI Future
- The Bottom Line on Mohammed Shami’s India Selection
- Sources
Ganguly’s Direct Challenge to Agarkar
Ganguly’s comments weren’t just a casual observation; they were a pointed message to chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Having led the BCCI, Ganguly understands the inner workings of the selection process and isn’t one to mince words. He stated unequivocally, “Mohammad Shami is fit. I don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing for India” .
This public statement serves as a significant pressure point on the selection committee. Ganguly is known for his fiercely competitive spirit and his belief in backing proven match-winners. In his view, sidelining a bowler of Shami’s caliber, especially one who has demonstrated his readiness, is a strategic error that could cost India in high-stakes tournaments.
Shami’s Undeniable Domestic Dominance
The core of Ganguly’s argument rests on Shami’s recent, explosive performances in the Ranji Trophy. Forget the narrative about him being past his prime or lacking match practice. The stats from the 2025 season tell a different story—one of a bowler at the peak of his powers.
Playing for Bengal, Shami has been an absolute terror for opposition batsmen:
- In his first match, he ripped through the lineup with figures of 3/37 and 4/38 .
- He followed it up in his second game with a stunning 5-wicket haul (5/38) and another 3-wicket spell .
The bottom line? Mohammed Shami has snared an incredible 15 wickets in just two Ranji Trophy matches at a jaw-dropping average of 15.5 . To put that in perspective, this is the performance of a bowler who is not just fit, but hungry and in devastating form. His ability to swing the new ball and extract seam movement remains as potent as ever.
What’s the Selection Committee’s Reasoning?
While Ganguly and fans are left scratching their heads, the official stance from the All-India Senior Selection Committee, led by Agarkar, has been one of silence on the Shami-specific issue. The committee’s recent squads for the home series against South Africa and the upcoming tour by New Zealand have consistently favored a younger pace attack .
The unspoken justification seems to revolve around two factors: managing Shami’s long-term fitness post his injury struggles after the 2023 World Cup, and a desire to blood younger pacers like Akash Deep or Mukesh Kumar for the future . However, the problem with this logic is that it assumes Shami is a liability. His recent workload in domestic cricket and his ability to consistently deliver 15+ overs in a spell prove he’s ready for the international stage.
Furthermore, as Ganguly implies, there’s a massive difference between resting a player for a bilateral series and completely omitting him from the conversation when a major tournament like the ICC Champions Trophy is on the horizon. This isn’t just about a game against New Zealand; it’s about having your best available team for the biggest challenges.
Why Shami is Crucial for India’s ODI Future
Let’s be clear: the value Mohammed Shami brings to India’s ODI setup is multifaceted and currently unmatched by his younger counterparts.
1. The Powerplay and Death Overs Specialist
Shami is a master of the new ball. His ability to swing it both ways at pace in the powerplay can dismantle any top order. Simultaneously, his pinpoint yorkers and clever variations at the death make him a complete bowler for the 50-over format.
2. Tournament Pedigree and Big-Match Temperament
Shami isn’t just any bowler; he’s a performer on the grandest stages. At the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil, he finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps, showcasing nerves of steel under immense pressure . This kind of experience is invaluable and cannot be replicated in a hurry.
3. The Perfect Transition Bridge
With India in a transitional phase, Shami’s role as a senior leader in the bowling group is critical. He can be the perfect bridge, guiding the likes of Arshdeep Singh and the next generation, while still being a frontline match-winner himself. His presence ensures stability and mentorship that a completely new-look attack might lack.
The Bottom Line on Mohammed Shami’s India Selection
Sourav Ganguly’s public questioning of Ajit Agarkar over the Mohammed Shami India selection snub is more than just a former captain’s opinion—it’s a reflection of the sentiment among millions of fans and cricket experts. The evidence is clear: Shami is fit, he’s in devastating form, and he has the proven ability to win games for India on the biggest stages.
Omitting him not only weakens India’s immediate bowling attack but also sends a confusing message about the value of experience and proven performance. As India prepares for its next major challenge, the selection committee would do well to revisit its stance. The “reason” for Shami’s inclusion is written in his bowling figures and his glittering international record. It’s time to bring him back.
Sources
- Times of India: “’I really don’t see any reason’: Sourav Ganguly questions Ajit Agarkar over Mohammed Shami’s India omission”
- Various Sports Portals: Reports on Shami’s Ranji Trophy 2025 performance [[10], [14], [17]]
- BCCI Official Announcement: India’s squad for IDFC First Bank ODI series against South Africa