The ex-BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly, came in support of Mohammed Shami for a comeback to the national side and that he is the perfect bowler to bowl alongside Jasprit Bumrah. He backed the out-of-favour pacer, Mohammed Shami, as he has bowled exceptionally well in this IPL season so far. He has picked up 3 wickets from 2 games in this season and has troubled the batters with his dangerous new-ball bowling.
"He should be bowling at the other end of Bumrah, nowhere else. That's how good he is. We all saw that spell the other night against Sunrisers Hyderabad - four overs, nine runs against two of the best T20 players, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. That was phenomenal," said Saurav Ganguly. Mohammed Shami’s spell against the Sunrisers Hyderabad was simply outstanding as he picked up the wickets of both their star openers and gave away just 9 runs in his spell.
Strong domestic form and IPL performances strengthen Shami’s case for national selection
Mohammed Shami has displayed strong bowling forms recently, as he had a fine outing in the Ranji Trophy as well. He was the 6th highest wicket-taker in the season, as he picked up 37 wickets from 13 innings at an average of 16. Some of the speculations regarding the exclusion of Mohammed Shami from the squad hinted at the fitness of the 35-year-old and the selectors’ vision to build a younger side. His performance in the domestic circuit indicated his match fitness and that he is ready to perform at the highest level for India again.
"He had a strong Ranji Trophy season for Bengal. I still remember that semifinal - even though Bengal lost, he picked up eight wickets. He was instrumental in taking the team that far.
"I'm very happy that he wants to continue playing in the Ranji Trophy. It's tough for a fast bowler, but there's nothing better than watching Mohammed Shami run in with the new ball; He looks fit and sharp. After bowling consistently for months, you naturally get into peak condition - no training matches that. I wish him all the best and would love to see him back in India colours,” said the former India captain on Tuesday.
The Indian pacer will have to perform consistently in this season of the IPL and carry his form till the end of the season to make a strong case for himself. The Indian fans would love to see Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah bowling together with the new ball. However, Shami has been out of favour with the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar, and only time will tell if he will be given a chance to don the national colours again.
