Ganguly bats hard for Shami amid IPL show, delivers clear message to BCCI: ‘He should be bowling at other end of Bumrah’

Published on April 8, 2026

Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain and current president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has thrown his weight behind pacer Mohammed Shami, advocating for his return to the national fold ahead of the upcoming international assignments. Ganguly’s endorsement comes on the heels of Shami’s impressive performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, where he has consistently demonstrated his abilities as a premier fast bowler.

During a recent press conference, Ganguly made it clear that he believes Shami should not only be included in the squad but should be bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah, one of India’s leading bowlers. “Mohammed Shami has been in outstanding form in the IPL. His experience and skill set make him a valuable asset to our bowling attack,” Ganguly stated, emphasizing the need for a formidable pace duo.

Shami has been a key player in the IPL, showcasing his wicket-taking capabilities and maintaining impressive economy rates, which are crucial in the T20 format. Ganguly noted that pairing Shami with Bumrah would offer India a balanced and lethal bowling lineup, capable of taking on the world’s best teams in international formats.

The former captain highlighted how crucial it is for India to have a strong bowling partnership, especially in the lead-up to major tournaments. “With both Shami and Bumrah in the attack, teams will find it incredibly challenging to score runs. Their different styles complement each other perfectly,” he remarked.

Ganguly’s comments come at a time when the BCCI selectors are under pressure to finalize the squad for upcoming series. His clear stance indicates that Shami’s inclusion could soon be a topic of discussion among the selectors. While injuries and player form play a significant role, Ganguly urged that talent and consistency should be the yardstick for selection.

Furthermore, the current IPL season has seen several players making strong cases for national selection, but Ganguly believes Shami’s experience makes him stand out. As a senior player, Shami brings not just skill on the field but also leadership qualities that can benefit younger bowlers in the team.

In conclusion, as discussions around squad selections heat up, all eyes will be on the BCCI to see if they heed Ganguly’s call for Mohammed Shami to rejoin the national team, where he can reunite with Jasprit Bumrah and further strengthen India’s bowling arsenal.

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