Former India cricketer Sourav Ganguly has expressed enthusiasm about Mohammed Shami’s return to the national setup ahead of the highly anticipated Champions Trophy. Shami, sidelined due to an extended injury layoff, is now set to reunite with Jasprit Bumrah, forming a potent pace duo for India. Ganguly emphasised that Shami’s comeback is a significant boost for the team, particularly as they prepare for crucial tournaments across all formats.
advertisement
Shami’s return begins with his inclusion in the 15-man squad for the upcoming home T20I series against England. This is followed by his selection for the ODI series against England, then in India’s squad for the 50-over Champions Trophy, where he will likely play a pivotal role alongside Bumrah. This pairing marks their first collaboration since the ODI World Cup in 2023, rekindling hopes of a balanced and formidable Indian pace attack. Speaking to PTI, Ganguly noted that Shami’s return strengthens India’s bowling lineup, providing much-needed depth and experience.
“I’m happy to see Shami fit because I think he’s probably the best bowler after (Jasprit) Bumrah in the country…I know he’ll be a bit nervous because he’s playing cricket after a long time, especially with a knee injury, but the good thing is that he bowled a lot for Bengal in the domestic cricket, which is going to help him in the games to come,” Ganguly said.
In Test cricket, Shami’s absence has been particularly felt. India recently suffered consecutive Test series defeats, first against New Zealand at home and then against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah shouldered the majority of the bowling responsibilities in both series, with critics pointing to the lack of a reliable partner in Shami’s absence. Ganguly remarked that Shami’s return not only brings back a wealth of experience but also allows Bumrah to share the workload, improving the team’s overall effectiveness.
“He’s as good as anybody in the world. Shami and Bumrah bowling at two ends is different than Bumrah bowling from one end. Both players are vital to each other’s success in Test cricket,” he added.
Adding to India’s depth in pace, Arshdeep Singh has also been named in the Champions Trophy squad. His presence alongside the seasoned Shami-Bumrah duo offers India a well-rounded attack capable of adapting to different conditions. Fans and analysts alike are optimistic about the trio’s potential to deliver impactful performances.
Must Watch