'Scored 10,000 Runs, Wasn't Picked For WC': India Legend Backs Mohammed Shami But Says He's Not Being 'Neglected'

While the Indian team continues to deal with fitness concerns, especially its pacemen, veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami continues to sweat it out in domestic cricket, churning out impressive performances. Having spent a significant period on the sidelines due to an ankle injury that needed surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami has since made a successful recovery, made his international comeback at the start of 2025, played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph and, immediately afterwards, lost his place in the team.

His fitness became the prime concern for the Indian team’s selection committee as they felt the 36-year-old may not be able to go through the rigours of Test cricket.

It’s been over three years since Shami last played

a Test match for India. He, though, continues to turn out for his domestic team Bengal across formats, hoping to play international cricket again. He recently turned out for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy and took seven wickets in three matches as they became the champions.

India legend and current president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), Sourav Ganguly, is happy that Shami continues to play domestic cricket but refused to comment on whether the experienced campaigner will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

“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,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

“That’s a long way. I can’t comment. It’s in October (next year). It’s a long way,” he added.

So, are the selectors ignoring Shami?

Ganguly disagrees.

“He (Shami) is not being neglected,” Ganguly said. “He has played a lot. He is an absolute champion. But as you grow older, this happens. When I got left out from World Cup one-day cricket for a year, after scoring 10,000 runs, I found my way to come back. So, this happens with everyone.”