Mohammed Shami (PTI Photo)
Shami has not played for India since the Champions Trophy 2025, where he was an important part of the side that won the title. The 36-year-old has continued to feature in domestic cricket during his absence from the national team and on Thursday helped East Zone end a 13-year wait for the Duleep Trophy. With Shami still producing performances in domestic cricket, Ganguly was asked whether the pacer could force his way back into India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ganguly drew on his own experience of being dropped from India’s World Cup plans despite having already crossed the 10,000-run mark in international cricket. Asked about Shami’s chances of making a comeback for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ganguly said it was too early to make a prediction. Shami has been out of the national team since the Champions Trophy 2025, where he played a key role in India’s title-winning campaign. The 36-year-old pacer has since continued to turn out in domestic cricket, including helping East Zone win the Duleep Trophy after 13 years on Thursday.
Ganguly, speaking to reporters at the Eden Gardens, said Shami’s continued commitment to domestic cricket and his performances were particularly encouraging. He has achieved so much,” Ganguly said. It’s a long way,” he said. Earlier reporting noted: Sourav Ganguly Says Mohammed Shami “Not Being Neglected”, Then Clears ODI World Cup Situation Sourav Ganguly Says Mohammed Shami “Not Being Neglected”, Then Clears ODI World Cup Situation Sourav Ganguly Says Mohammed Shami “Not Being Neglected”, Then Clears ODI World Cup Situation Earlier reporting noted: Asked about Shami’s chances of making a comeback for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ganguly said it was too early to make a prediction. Earlier reporting noted: Former captain Sourav Ganguly on Thursday dismissed the suggestion that out-of-favour veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is being “neglected” by the Indian selectors, insisting that the veteran pacer “has played a lot” and remains “an absolute champion”.
“What makes me happy for Shami is that he turns out day in and day out in domestic cricket and performs. It is terrific to see. The former India captain, however, felt it was far too early to make such a prediction, pointing out that the tournament is still some distance away. “That’s a long way. I can’t comment. It’s in October (next year). He strongly disagreed, while acknowledging that being left out can become part of a cricketer’s career as age advances. Ganguly also had words of praise for East Zone captain Ishan Kishan, whose performances in the Duleep Trophy have strengthened his case for a possible return to India’s Test side.