'Don't see any reason why he can’t keep playing Test matches...': Sourav Ganguly wants Mohammed Shami to 'play for India across formats'

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly wants Mohammed Shami back in the international setup across formats as he believes the skilful pacer is 'fit and is bowling exceptionally well'. Shami, who is currently featuring for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, last donned the India jersey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Ganguly on Shami's performance

The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI's selection committee, however, appears to have moved on from the 35-year-old pacer, as he has been ignored for the selection from the two-Test series against South Africa

"Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit and we saw in the three Ranji Trophy matches, where he's won Bengal on his own,” Ganguly said on Monday after being announced as the global brand ambassador of Kabuni, a UK-based AI-driven sports coaching platform.

Shami's Ranji wickets

Shami has so far picked up 15 wickets as Bengal registered two successive wins in their first two Ranji Trophy matches before going wicketless against Tripura. He has bowled 91 overs in three matches this season.

ALSO READ: Shams Mulani’s five-wicket haul helps Mumbai crush Himachal Pradesh by an innings and 120 runs in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Elite Group D clash

ALSO READ: 'Batting orders are very overrated...': Gautam Gambhir’s strong message to critics questioning India’s batting line-up team's 2-1 series win vs Australia

Shami's performance in the ODI World Cup 2023

Notably, the veteran speedster underwent ankle surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he ended as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps at an average of 10.70.

"I'm sure the selectors are watching and there is a communication between Mohammad Shami and the selectors. But if you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the Mohammad Shami we know of.

"So, 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,” Ganguly said.

Shami's last Test outing came against Australia during the World Test Championship final at the Oval in 2023, where Pat Cummins-led side defeated the Rohit Sharma-led side to clinch the Test mace.