Former cricketer Sourav Ganguly has hailed Mohammed Shami’s return to India squad ahead of ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Shami’s return to the squad will significantly boost the bowling unit and also reduce the workload of Bumrah. Ganguly has expressed enthusiasm about Mohammed Shami’s return to the national setup ahead of the ICC tournament.
The 34-year-old, who has been sidelined due to an injury will reunite with Jasprit Bumrah as the side prepares for high profile tournament in February.
Shami has been included in India’s squad for England’s tour of India and the 50-over Champions Trophy, where he is likely to play a crucial role.
The duo is set to reunite after their heroics in the ODI World Cup 2023, hoping to balance the formidable Indian pace attack.
On this occasion, Ganguly noted that Shami’s return boasts India’s bowling line-up 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.
The right arm bowler’s absence has been notably felt in the test cricket as India suffered consecutive defeats against New Zealand and Australia which costed them the WTC finals spot.
“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.
On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh has also been named in the India’s Champions Trophy squad and his presence along with the duo will make Men in Blues capable of adapting to different conditions.
India’s home tour against England will begin with T20I series starting on January 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
