Former India captain
Shami has been absent from the Indian setup since the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he played a key role in the team's title-winning campaign. Despite his time away from the international stage, the pacer has remained active in the domestic circuit, most recently playing a pivotal role in East Zone’s
Addressing selection and future prospects
Ganguly expressed his admiration for Shami’s dedication to domestic cricket, noting that his consistent participation is a positive sign for the sport. When questioned about the possibility of Shami forcing his way into contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the former skipper urged caution, stating that the tournament is still too far away to make definitive predictions.
Addressing concerns regarding the selection panel’s stance on the veteran, Ganguly insisted that Shami is not being ignored. He drew parallels to his own career, recalling his experience of being omitted from World Cup squads despite having surpassed 10,000 international runs. He noted that such phases are a natural part of a cricketer's journey as they advance in age, adding that Shami remains an absolute champion of the game.
Backing Ishan Kishan for Test return
Beyond Shami, Ganguly also turned his attention to East Zone captain Ishan Kishan, whose recent form has reignited discussions about his Test match future. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in impressive touch, delivering high-pressure performances in the finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and the Duleep Trophy.
Ganguly revealed he had spoken with Kishan and encouraged him to maintain his focus on Test cricket. Highlighting the youngster's ability to perform when the stakes are highest, the former captain suggested that Kishan’s consistent output in major domestic finals makes a compelling case for his return to the longest format. Kishan, who last featured in a Test match against the West Indies in July 2023, continues to push for a recall through his domestic success.
