Former BCCI president and India captain Sourav Ganguly has advised Gautam Gambhir to bring back Mohammed Shami in the Test team after the loss to South Africa in Kolkata. India lost the match by 30 runs as the Proteas wrote a a memorable Test win after 15 years on Indian soil.
Shami last played a Test match in 2023 when he represented India in the World Test Championship against Australia. Since then, the pacer has been ruled out for the tour of England and the series against the West Indies and South Africa. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said Shami did not get enough playing time and his condition was not up to par.
Speaking to Sports Tak, Ganguly said that Gambhir should trust the trio of Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj going forward. The current president of Cricket Association Of Bengal said that Shami and the spinners can win Tests for India.
“I like Gautam very much; he did well in the 2011 World Cup and T20. He will continue for a while but he has to play on good pitches in India. He has to trust Bumrah, Siraj and Shami,” Ganguly said in an interview with Sports Tak.
“I think Shami deserves a place in this Test team. Shami and the spinners will win Tests for him,” Ganguly added.
Since returning to the domestic circuit this season, Shami has been in good form, picking up 17 wickets in four matches at an average of 17.35.
‘PLAY FOR GOOD GOALS’
Ganguly also said that Gambhir and the Indian team management should play on good tracks and keep the pitch out of play. The former India captain also told the coach to try to win Tests in five days instead of looking for a quick finish.
“Play for good wickets. I hope Gautam Gambhir is listening. He needs to take the wicket out of the game. Because if his batting doesn’t give 350-400, he won’t win Tests,” Ganguly said.
“That’s why they won in England because their batting is jumping on the board. They have to play good wickets. And trust their people. And win Tests in 5 days. Not 3 days.”
India will take on South Africa in the Guwahati Test starting on November 22.
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Published on:
November 17, 2025
