A comeback for Mohammed Shami? Sourav Ganguly thinks so. The ex-India skipper points to IPL 2026 stats as proof. Consistent spells night after night caught his eye. Form like that demands attention. Selection talk grows louder because of it. Not many expected such fire this late. Yet here it is. Pace still sharp. Yorkers landing just right. Every match adds weight to the argument. Numbers back what fans see. Experience mixes with hunger now. That blend matters when picking teams. Age gets mentioned less these days. Performance speaks first. Moments like these shift opinions slowly.
Out of nowhere came a blistering burst from Shami during Lucknow Super Giants’ game versus Sunrisers Hyderabad – two wickets for just nine runs across four tight overs. Hardly a moment passed without pressure building under his sharp deliveries. Batsmen found little room to move, constantly unsettled by his line and pace. That wasn’t a one-off either; earlier against Delhi Capitals in the season starter, he struck again – one for twenty-eight, still slicing through rhythm. Beyond these IPL outings, another truth stands: county games, local tournaments, he’s been nailing it there too
Taking notes of his performances in the IPL, Ganguly backed Shami to return to the India colours. “He should be bowling at the other end of Jasprit Bumrah, nowhere else. That’s how good he is. We all saw that spell the other night against Sunrisers Hyderabad – four overs, nine runs against two of the best T20 players, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. That was phenomenal,” Ganguly said.
Ganguly Notes Shami’s Solid Ranji Performance
Shami’s 2/9 earned him the Player of the Match Award, reminding the selectors of the skills he possesses and can bring to the table if he gets called up again. “He had a strong Ranji Trophy season for Bengal. I still remember that semi-final – even though Bengal lost, he picked up eight wickets. He was instrumental in taking the team that far,” he said.
Speaking on Shami’s commitment to playing domestic cricket, Ganguly said, “I’m very happy he wants to keep playing in the Ranji Trophy. It’s tough for a fast bowler, but there’s nothing better than watching Mohammed Shami run in with the new ball.”
Ganguly Believes Shami Deserves India Call
Fitness shows in Shami’s game right now, Ganguly pointed out. His movement feels crisp. Months of steady bowling build a rhythm nothing else can mimic, really. That kind of form comes from doing, not preparing. Hope he returns soon to wear the blue jersey again.
“I still believe he should play for India. Hopefully, his time will come again because he’s that good. When the ball comes out with that upright seam, it’s a treat to watch,” Ganguly added.
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