IPL 2026: Sourav Ganguly backs Mohammed Shami for India return

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly believes that veteran pacer Mohammed Shami will succeed in making a comeback to the Indian team by delivering a magnificent performance in the 2026 IPL. Shami is playing for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. 

Ahead of the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on April 9, Ganguly said that the Bengal bowler should be back in the Indian team after his recent performance in the IPL.

“He should be bowling at the other end of Jasprit 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,” Ganguly said.

Ganguly also stated that Mohammed Shami is currently going with a brilliant form not just in IPL, but also in the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 for Bengal. 

“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,” he said.

Sourav Ganguly also praised Shami's fitness and hunger. Highlighting the physical demands placed on fast bowlers, he remarked that Shami's fitness remains exceptional even today. He still appears to be at his peak.

“I’m very happy he wants to keep 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 said.

“He looks fit and sharp. After bowling consistently for months, you naturally reach peak condition—no amount of training matches that. I wish him all the best and would love to see him back in India colors," he added.

“I still believe he should play for India. Hopefully, his time will come again because he’s that good. When the ball comes out with that upright seam, it’s a treat to watch,” Ganguly added, reiterating his support.

Shami last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he made a significant contribution to India's title victory. However, he has been out of Team India ever since. In the interim, Shami delivered stellar performances in domestic cricket; yet, despite this, he has so far been unsuccessful in making a comeback. At this juncture, every match of the IPL 2026 serves as nothing less than a test for Shami; he will undoubtedly strive to make a comeback to the national team by delivering a magnificent performance this season. However, it will be quite intriguing to see whether Shami can truly answer the selectors through his bowling this season and successfully secure a return to the Indian team.

So far, in IPL 2026, Shami has played 2 matches, where he took 3 wickets at an economy rate of 4.62. In the first game, against DC, he conceded 28 runs in 4 overs and took 1 wicket, while in the second fixture against SRH, he conceded only 9 runs in 4 overs, with 2 wickets.