Sourav Ganguly orders Gautam Gambhir to recall Mohammed Shami to win Test matches

Sourav Ganguly orders Gautam Gambhir to recall Mohammed Shami to win Test matches

Sourav Ganguly Urges for Mohammed Shami’s Recall to India’s Test Squad

Former BCCI President and current CAB President Sourav Ganguly has called for the veteran pacer Mohammed Shami to be included in the Indian Test squad. Ganguly believes that Shami’s experience and skill are crucial for the team’s success in the longer format of the game.

Ganguly expressed his views after India’s disappointing loss to South Africa in the Test series opener at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The match ended in just three days, with India failing to chase a small target of 124 runs in the final innings. Ganguly attributed the loss to the challenging pitch conditions, stating that the surface was not conducive for a fair Test match.

Ganguly’s Critique of the Pitch and Gambhir’s Role

During a post-match interview, Ganguly criticized the pitch prepared for the game, suggesting that it favored the bowlers excessively. He revealed that the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, had specifically requested such a surface, leading the pitch curator to comply with the instructions.

“There is no controversy. It was not the best Test wicket, but unfortunately, India lost. And they still should have gotten 120. It wasn’t the greatest of Test pitches,” Ganguly stated. He emphasized the importance of playing on fair and balanced pitches to ensure a competitive game.

Ganguly’s Call for Shami’s Inclusion

Mohammed Shami has been absent from the Indian team since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, despite performing well in domestic cricket. Ganguly believes that Shami’s experience and skill set make him a valuable asset in Test cricket and urged the selectors to reconsider his inclusion in the squad.

“He must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami. I think Shami deserves a place in this Test team. Shami and the spinners will win Test matches for him,” Ganguly emphasized. He highlighted Shami’s ability to pick crucial wickets and turn matches in India’s favor.

Concerns Over India’s Batting Performance

Former Chennai Super Kings batter S Badrinath expressed disappointment over India’s struggles against spin in the recent Test match against South Africa. He noted that while visiting spinners are improving, India’s batting against spin seems to be on the decline.

“Disappointing to see India’s batting against spin decline while visiting spinners keep improving with every tour, the complete opposite of how it used to be,” Badrinath tweeted. The concerns raised by Badrinath highlight the challenges that India’s batters are facing against quality spin bowling.

In conclusion, Ganguly’s call for Shami’s inclusion in the Test squad and the concerns raised over India’s batting performance against spin reflect the challenges and areas of improvement for the national team. As India prepares for the upcoming matches, addressing these issues will be crucial for their success on the international stage.

Shami’s Impact on the Bowling Attack

Mohammed Shami’s return to the Indian Test squad could provide a significant boost to the team’s bowling attack. With his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace, Shami has proven himself as a potent wicket-taking bowler in all conditions. His experience in Test cricket, coupled with his skill set, makes him a valuable asset for the team, especially in overseas conditions where seam and swing bowling play a crucial role.

Shami’s partnership with Jasprit Bumrah, who has emerged as India’s premier fast bowler in recent years, could form a formidable duo that can trouble even the best batting line-ups. Additionally, Shami’s presence in the squad could provide valuable guidance to the younger pacers like Mohammed Siraj, helping them develop their skills and strategies in Test cricket.

Addressing India’s Bowling Depth

While India boasts a strong bowling line-up with talented spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, the pace department has faced some challenges in recent matches. The absence of a seasoned campaigner like Shami has highlighted the need for reliable pace options in the Test squad. By including Shami, the selectors can address this concern and ensure that India has a well-rounded bowling attack capable of taking wickets in all conditions.

Moreover, Shami’s ability to reverse swing the old ball could prove crucial in Test matches, especially in the subcontinent where the conditions are conducive to reverse swing. His skill in exploiting reverse swing effectively could provide India with an added advantage in close contests where bowlers play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the match.

Improving India’s Batting Against Spin

The concerns raised by S Badrinath regarding India’s batting against spin are valid and point towards an area that requires attention. While Indian batsmen have traditionally been adept at playing spin, recent performances suggest a decline in their ability to tackle quality spin bowling. With teams around the world improving their spin arsenals, it is essential for India’s batters to adapt and enhance their skills against spin.

The inclusion of more spinning tracks in domestic cricket and focusing on specific training drills to counter spin bowling could help Indian batsmen regain their prowess against spinners. Additionally, providing opportunities for young batsmen to gain exposure and experience against quality spin bowlers in domestic and international matches can aid in improving their performance against spin in Test cricket.

In conclusion, Sourav Ganguly’s advocacy for Mohammed Shami’s recall to the Indian Test squad and the concerns raised over India’s batting performance against spin present areas of focus for the team. By addressing these issues and working on enhancing the team’s bowling depth and batting skills, India can strengthen its position in Test cricket and achieve greater success on the global stage.

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