Photo via Hindustan Times

Mohammed Shami ‘has not been neglected': Sourav Ganguly sets the record straight

Sourav Ganguly has pushed back against claims that Mohammed Shami is being deliberately overlooked by national selectors, pointing out the extensive international experience the seamer already possesses. Shami has remained absent from India's roster since the previous year's Champions Trophy, even as selectors opted for newcomers like Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar during Jasprit Bumrah's fitness-related absences.

The bowler had previously clashed with chief selector Ajit Agarkar over fitness evaluations after missing out on the Test tour of the West Indies, questioning how he could participate in the Ranji Trophy if physical readiness were truly an issue. While Ganguly recalled his own past comeback following an extended layoff after scoring 10,000 runs, he admitted it is too early to predict if Shami will secure a squad berth for the 2027 ODI World Cup across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Despite his national exclusion, Shami has maintained strong form across domestic competitions, including a victorious campaign with East Zone in the 2026 Duleep Trophy. Captained by , the squad secured their first tournament championship in 13 years courtesy of a crucial first-innings advantage.