Sourav Ganguly advises Gautam Gambhir to bring Shami back and play on 'good pitches' after humiliation in Kolkata

Former BCCI President and former India captain Sourav Ganguly has suggested that Gautam Gambhir should bring Mohammed Shami back into the Test team after India’s 30-run loss to South Africa in Kolkata. The defeat was a big disappointment for the team, as South Africa won a Test in India after 15 long years.

Shami has not played a Test match since the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. After that, he was not picked for the series against England, West Indies and South Africa. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier said that Shami didn’t have enough match practice and his fitness was not fully ready for long-format cricket.

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Speaking to Sports Tak, Ganguly said Gambhir must trust the senior fast-bowling group of Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Shami himself has addressed the controversy surrounding his non-selection on several occasions. Shami has been in strong form this season, taking 17 wickets from four Ranji Trophy matches.

“I am very fond of Gautam; he has done well in the 2011 and T20 World Cups. He will continue for a while, but he must play on good pitches in India. He must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami. I think Shami deserves a place in this Test team. Shami and the spinners will win Tests for him,” Ganguly said.

Ganguly on turning track debate

Ganguly also advised Gambhir and the team management to prepare good cricketing pitches and not depend too much on turning tracks. He said India should focus on scoring big runs rather than trying to finish games quickly. Gambhir has received the same advice from others as well.

“Play on good wickets. I hope Gautam Gambhir is listening. He needs to take the wicket out of the game. Because if his batters aren’t putting up 350–400, he will not win Tests. That is the reason they won in England, because their batters put runs up on the board. He must play on good wickets. And trust his people. And win Tests in 5 days. Not in 3 days," Ganguly said.

India will now look ahead to the next Test against South Africa in Guwahati, starting November 22. South Africa took a crucial 1-0 lead after winning the first Test. Now, they cannot lose this series from here on.