Sourav Ganguly, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has publicly backed Mohammed Shami's return to the national side, citing his impressive form in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 with the Lucknow Super Giants. Ganguly stated that Shami should be bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah, emphasizing his exceptional performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he took 2 wickets for just 9 runs. This performance earned him the Player of the Match award and bolstered his case for national selection. Ganguly also noted Shami's strong showing in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal, where he took eight wickets in a semi-final, showcasing his capability in domestic cricket. He praised Shami's fitness and dedication, expressing hope that Shami will return to the Indian team soon, as he remains a top talent in fast bowling. Despite his achievements, Shami has yet to be included in the national setup under chief selector Ajit Agarkar, leading to ongoing discussions about his exclusion as India balances experienced players with emerging talent in their pace attack.