Is It Time for Gautam Gambhir to Recall Mohammed Shami? : Sourav Ganguly
The Indian cricket team rarely stays calm after losing at home, as this has not happened too many times. Kolkata saw India succumb to South Africa in its first home Test defeat to the Proteas in 15 years. ON this note, the former Indian captain thinks that it’s time to recall Mohammed Shami to the team.
This has ignited a serious talk around matters of team selection, bench strength, and leadership decisions. Probably one voice that has risen to prominence from the majority is that of Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and widely respected figure in the world of cricket.
Starexch brings in what it means as we break down the strong call from Ganguly to head coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the upcoming Guwahati Test.
Ganguly wants Shami Back
Discussions have been on about Mohammed Shami’s unavailability in the Test squad for the last few months. Shami has been out of India’s Test plans since his last international game in the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia, to which he was the last Indian pace bowler, avoiding touring England, going to the West Indies, and currently battling South Africa. Ajit Agarkar, chief selector of India, cited fitness and lack of match practice as reasons for missing the pace bowler.
Ganguly took no fuel in that without a fire.
According to him, it’s time for Gambhir to place his trust in the proven trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami. Addressed to Sports Tak, Shami is described by Ganguly as an obvious match-winner capable of swinging the fortunes in India’s favour.
“I think Shami deserves a place in this Test team. Shami and the spinners will win Tests for him,” Ganguly said.
Fans and experts alike greatly reacted to such statements, particularly in light of recent domestic performances from Shami, where he has racked up over two-thirds of his wicket haul, putting up an unlikely average of 17.35 with his 17 wickets in four matches. That is indeed a form no Test side can afford to ignore.
The Return of Shami Now Counts More Than Ever
Bumrah and Siraj head the Indian pace attack. However, Shami knows how to seam a ball sharply, has shown remarkable consistency, and masters reverse swing. There have been some memorable home spells he has produced over the years.
His attack has a balanced aspect in that when all three are in terrific rhythm, India usually sets the pace of the match. The last major outing of this trio together in the 2023 cycle of WTC showed why this trio is considered one of the best modern-day fast-bowling units.
Gambhir would need every bit of firepower he could get for India as it faces a spirited South African side that exudes confidence.
‘Play on Good Wickets’ Says Ganguly
Ganguly had lots of valuable things to say, not just in terms of team selection but also in truer the condition of pitches used for Test matches in India.
He wants pitches that are not just turning tracks, resulting in matches ending within three days. Rather, be well-prepared wickets that would allow batters and bowlers to show their skills over the full five days. That is why he feels that it is time for coach Gambhir to recall Mohammed Shami to the test squad.
He further added:
“If his batters aren’t putting up 350-400, he will not win Tests. He must take the wicket out of the game and trust his people.”
This counts as the major point. Strong batting foundations were what brought India successful adventures in England. Once the higher order clicked, victory followed. The Kolkata Test showed how even the home advantage vanishes quickly if the batting line-up does not manage to score substantial runs.
Good pitches not only encourage competitive cricket but also help India’s pace unit, including Shami himself, to get the maximum out of their skills.
Gautam Gambhir Leading from the Front
For Gautam Gambhir, it is his first assignment as a coach with the Indian national team. Now begins the real challenge ahead. Should Gambhir go with his players or, following Saurav Ganguly’s advice, reinstate Shami back into the fold? Gambhir has a reputation for being tough and able to consider calculations when running a team.
“The coach has always backed his instincts,” said a source, “but Ganguly’s suggestions are not baseless, having their origin in years of experience and how Indian cricket functions under pressure.” Now that Guwahati hosts the upcoming Test starting from November 22, everything will be in contrast with India’s readiness, team selection, and approach under close scrutiny, with Starexchange continuing to bring the most reliable cricket updates and unbiased Match Insights to the fans following the team closely.
What India Must Do Before the Second Test
1. Enlarge the Pace Attack
If Shami returns, there may be more to fill in the gaps with his inter-field display. Competing against Bumrah and Shami with the support of Siraj can give the side the density and control needed.
2. Re-calculate the Order of Batting
India’s batting struggled to build partnerships in Kolkata. A longer format — especially from the top order — needs more patience.
3 . Balanced Wickets
A very good cricketing surface ensures that the match lasts the distance; then all the strengths of the team, especially the pace attack, can shine.
4. Rely on the Experienced Players.
Ganguly’s core message was to rely on proven match-winners. Whether Gambhir takes this lesson into consideration is henceforth believed to be a matter of great concern.
Can India Get Up Again?
It is great that the country has been at home for the last decade. One defeat is not a series in itself, but it definitely shows red lights on areas that need immediate attention.
As asks team management to Recall Mohammed Shami, his views give a fresh perspective, and the cricketing world will await Gambhir’s response on this. Both the reintegration of Shami into the team and the strengthening of the Indian bowling attack improve the chances of incorporating a big-match player into the pack; one player is a fabulous player, one who has the experience of performing under pressure.
The much-anticipated Guwahati Test is still a long way away, but Star Exchange will keep the interesting updates flowing in cricket: from minute-by-minute updates to expert opinions, experience, and insights for discussions.
FAQs
1. Why did Ganguly recommend Mohammed Shami for the next test match against South Africa?
A: This is because of Shami’s excellent form in the home matches and his record of winning matches for India in Tests.
2 . When did Shami play his last test match with the men in blues?
A: Shami played his last test match with the men in blues in the Final of the World Test Championship 2023 against Australia.
3. What are Ganguly’s comments on Indian pitches?
A: Ganguly has suggested preparing good wickets that hold for five-day cricket, rather than speedy turnarounds.
4 . When is the next India-South Africa Test?
A: Guwahati will host the next Test beginning November 22.
