Ganguly Urges Gambhir to Recall Mohammed Shami After Kolkata Test Defeat.
Gautam Gambhir is set to bring Mohammed Shami back into the Test setup after India’s 30-run loss to South Africa in Kolkata — the Proteas’ first Test win on Indian soil in 15 years.
Shami has not featured in a Test since the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. He was subsequently overlooked for tours of England, West Indies and the home series against South Africa, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar citing lack of match practice and fitness concerns.
However, Shami has impressed since returning to domestic cricket this season, taking 17 wickets in four matches at an average of 17.35.
Speaking to Sports Tak, former India captain Sourav Ganguly said Gambhir should repose faith in the pace trio of Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, insisting they will be key to India’s success.
“I am very fond of Gautam; he did well in the 2011 and T20 World Cups. He’ll continue for a while, but he must play on good pitches in India. He must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj and Shami,” Ganguly said.
Ganguly added that Shami “deserves a place” in the Test side, stressing that the pacer along with India’s spinners “will win Tests” for the team.
‘Play on Good Wickets’
Ganguly also urged the team management to focus on quality surfaces and aim for five-day wins instead of looking for quick results.
“Play on good wickets. I hope Gambhir is listening. He needs to take the wicket out of the game. If his batters aren’t scoring 350–400, he will not win Tests,” he said.
“That’s why they won in England — the batters put runs on the board. He must trust his players and try to win Tests in five days, not three.”
India will now face South Africa in the second Test in Guwahati from November 22.
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