Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes that veteran speedster Mohammed Shami deserves a chance in the playing XI for the ongoing Test series against South Africa. Notably, Shami has been ignored from India's scheme of things since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Sourav Ganguly's advice for Gautam Gambhir
Shami's last Test outing came in 2023 during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Ganguly, who is currently serving as the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), believes that veteran Shami, along with spinners, will be the match-winner for India.
"I am very fond of Gautam; he has done well in the 2011 and T20 World Cups. He will continue for a while, but he must play on good pitches in India. He must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami. I think Shami deserves a place in this Test team. Shami and the spinners will win Test matches for him" said Sourav Ganguly in exclusive chat with Sports Tak.
India vs South Africa 1st Test
Coming back to the first Test match, after opting to bat, South Africa were dismissed for 159 runs, but the World Test Championship winners South Africa staged a remarkable comeback to defeat India by 30 runs in the first Test at Eden Gardens on Sunday. Chasing a modest target of 124, South Africa bowled out India for just 93 in 35 overs on Day 3.
This was South Africa's first Test win in India in 15 years, as the visitors now lead the two-match series 1-0. The second Test match between India and South Africa will take place from November 22-26 at ACA Stadium in Guwahati.