Sourav Ganguly questions selectors’ for ignoring Mohammad Shami for South Africa Tests

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has questioned the selectors for ignoring Mohammad Shami for the two Test match series against South Africa. Shami has been in good form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy as he has taken 15 wickets in three matches for Bengal at an impressive average of 15.53. 

The fast bowler last played for India in the Champions Trophy, but he has been overlooked by the selectors in the recent past. The veteran fast bowler has proved his match fitness in the Ranji Trophy and thus his omission is baffling. 

“Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit, and we saw in the three Ranji Trophy matches, where he’s won Bengal on his own,” Ganguly said as quoted by Cricket Next.

“I’m sure the selectors are watching, and there is communication between Mohammad Shami and the selectors. But if you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the Mohammad Shami we know of. So, I really don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing Test matches, one-day cricket and T20 cricket for India. Because that skill is enormous,” he added.

Shami has been ticking the right boxes in the domestic circuit and there is no doubt that he deserves his chance in the Indian squad. However, the selectors seem to have moved past him or they want more from him in the domestic tournaments.

Recently, former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had also expressed his surprise after Shami was ignored for the two Test matches against South Africa.

The first Test match between India and South Africa will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, from November 14 onwards.