While the Indian cricket team now gears up for the multi-format series against South Africa at home, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced the squad for the two-match Test
series, starting November 14 in Kolkata. While the squad saw Indian pacer Mohammed Shami once again miss out, continuing his absence since Champions Trophy. However, the Bengal pacer has time and again confirmed his fitness, but remains out of contention.
Amidst this, former India captain and BCCI and Cricket Association of Bengal (BCCI) President, Sourav Ganguly recently opened up on the pacer’s continuous absence. Notably, the 35-year-old was missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as he was recovering from an injury, he made his last appearance in India’s Champions Trophy title winning campaign and has been sidelined since then.
Don't see any reason why Mohammed Shami can't play for India: Sourav Ganguly
Seeing his extended absence from the Indian cricket team, Ganguly blasted at the selectors while adding that the pacer has been fit and continues to bowl long spells in Ranji Trophy. “Shami is great, he’s bowling exceptionally well. You saw in the 2-3 Ranji Trophy matches where he's won Bengal on his own. I'm sure the selectors are watching,” he said at an event in Kolkata.
The former India captain further added, “I'm sure there is a communication between Shami and selectors, I don't know. But if you ask me in terms of fitness and skill, it's Mohammed Shami we know of. So I really don't see any reason why he can't be playing test matches, ODIs or T20Is for India because that skill is enormous.”
It is to be noted, earlier following Shami’s snub from white-ball series against Australia, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that he remains in regular talks with Shami while adding that he wasn’t fit until the squad was announced. However, Agarkar’s comments were falsified by Shami himself, who maintained that he is comppletely fit and ready for international duty.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-1762618217183616.webp)
