Mohammed Shami hasn't been neglected by India, he played a lot: Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly said Mohammed Shami has not been neglected and backed his domestic form. He also admitted uncertainty over the pacer's India return while praising Ishan Kishan's push for a Test comeback.

In Short

• Shami last played for India during Champions Trophy 2025
• The Bengal pacer picked two wickets during Duleep Trophy final
• Ganguly remains coy on Shami being part of World Cup 2027

Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Sourav Ganguly has claimed that Mohammed Shami hasn't been neglected by India and has played a lot for the nation. Shami has been away from the Indian team since the Champions Trophy 2025 triumph. The pacer picked up nine wickets during the tournament.

Since then, Shami has been battling hard in domestic cricket and played a big role in East Zone's Duleep Trophy win. The Bengal pacer struck at crucial moments, dismissing Ravichandran Smaran and Sheikh Rasheed as South Zone were bundled out for 336 in their first innings.

East Zone had already built a commanding 372-run first-innings lead, which ultimately proved enough for them to clinch the Duleep Trophy.

Speaking to India Today, Ganguly pointed out how he was out of the Indian team during his playing days despite scoring more than 10,000 runs and made a comeback.

The CAB president said he is unsure about why Shami isn't being picked at the moment, as the performances have been there. Ganguly also remained coy if Shami will make a return to the side in time for the 2027 World Cup.

"He is doing well day in and day out in domestic cricket. I too have not played for a year in national team after scoring 10,000 runs, but did a comeback. He is trying to do well don't know why he has not been picked. But he is doing well and is performing well."

"It's tough to comment on whether he will play in the 2027 World Cup or not because the World Cup is one year later. He has not been neglected. He played a lot," said Ganguly.

The CAB chief also praised Ishan Kishan's performance in the Duleep Trophy final and hopes that he does make it back into the Indian Test team.

"I spoke to Kishan this afternoon. It's terrific and remarkable. Every young player wants to play Test cricket, and hopefully he will. He played exceptionally well in all the finals of the Vijay Hazare, Syed Mushtaq Ali, and Duleep Trophy," said Ganguly.

Kishan last played Test cricket for India in 2023.

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