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'Should Go To Australia...,' Ganguly Backs Shami's Inclusion In Indian Team For BGT

Mohammed Shami is all set to be included in the India squad for the BGT [Source: @sujeetsuman1991]Mohammed Shami is all set to be included in the India squad for the BGT [Source: @sujeetsuman1991]

As India gear up to face Australia in the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has made a bold recommendation: "Send Shami immediately to Australia."

The first Test of the five-match series is set to start on November 22 at Perth’s Optus Stadium. But the big news is the return of India’s star pacer, Mohammed Shami. After missing nearly a year of cricket due to injury, Shami made a stunning comeback in the Ranji Trophy, playing for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh. In that match, Shami bowled 43.2 overs, claimed seven wickets, and even scored a quickfire 36. His outstanding performance helped Bengal win by 11 runs.

Ganguly Wants Shami To Be On The Next Flight To Australia

Though Shami wasn’t part of India’s original squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, recent reports suggest he will now be included. His impressive showing in the Ranji Trophy has convinced the selectors to fast-track him into the Test squad. Ganguly, speaking in an interview with Boria Majumdar for RevSportz, expressed strong belief in Shami's value for the team, saying: 

“Absolutely. He must go. He doesn’t need to play the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He should go to Australia by the next flight. Go and bowl in the nets. Even if he doesn’t play in Perth, he will get to bowl and get ready.”

When asked if India’s bowling attack would be undercooked without Shami, Ganguly acknowledged the concern but remained optimistic:

“No. Little bit weakened, because [Jasprit] Bumrah, Shami, [Mohammed] Siraj is stronger than Bumrah, Siraj, and Prasidh [Krishna]. Definitely stronger. But fast bowlers do get injured, you cannot do anything about it. Mohammed Shami needs to be on the flight to Australia as soon as possible.”

Mohammed Shami Set To Leave For Australia With Rohit Sharma

Further reports suggest Shami is set to join the squad soon. He could fly with ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma to Australia and join the team before the first Test. However, his place in the playing XI may only be decided after the match in Perth.