After Kolkata Collapse, Sourav Ganguly Advises Gambhir to Call Back Mohammed Shami

Sourav Ganguly urged Gautam Gambhir to recall Mohammed Shami to India’s Test team after the 30-run defeat to South Africa in Kolkata.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has advised head coach Gautam Gambhir to bring Mohammed Shami back into the Test setup after India’s 30-run loss to South Africa in Kolkata. Ganguly, now the CAB president, said India should rely on the proven pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Shami.

The senior fast bowler last played a Test in the 2023 World Test Championship final but has impressed in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, taking 18 wickets in four matches for Bengal. Ganguly believes Shami’s form and experience make him a strong candidate for a return.

“I am very fond of Gautam; he has done well in the 2011 and T20 World Cups. He will continue for a while, but he must play on good pitches in India. He must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami,” Ganguly said while speaking to Sports Tak.

“I think Shami deserves a place in this Test team. Shami and the spinners will win Tests for him,” he added.

Ganguly Calls for Balanced Test Pitches

Ganguly then said India succeeded in England earlier this year because the batters posted competitive scores, giving the bowlers room to dictate matches. He believes the team should aim to win Tests across five days rather than on sharply turning tracks that end games early.

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“Play on good wickets. I hope Gautam Gambhir is listening. He needs to take the wicket out of the game. Because if his batters aren’t putting up 350–400, he will not win Tests. That is the reason they won in England, because their batters put runs up on the board. He must play on good wickets. And trust his people. And win Tests in 5 days. Not in 3 days,” the former cricketer concluded.