Kolkata, India - In the wake of a disappointing 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has publicly advised the current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, to reconsider Mohammed Shami's place in the team. The loss, which took place on November 16, 2025, has put Gambhir under pressure, especially with the second Test looming.
Ganguly, currently serving as the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), emphasized the importance of having faith in the pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and the experienced Mohammed Shami. Speaking to Sports Tak, Ganguly stated, "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 Test matches for him".
Shami, a seasoned campaigner, last played for India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in 2023. Since then, he has been noticeably absent from the Test side, having been "snubbed" for the England tour and series against the West Indies and South Africa. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had previously cited a lack of game time and concerns about Shami's fitness as reasons for his exclusion. However, Ganguly believes that Shami's recent form in the domestic circuit, where he picked up 17 wickets in four matches with an average of 17.35, warrants his inclusion.
The defeat in Kolkata has sparked widespread criticism of Gambhir's coaching, with fans expressing their displeasure over the team's performance. India's track record in the 18 Tests under Gambhir shows 7 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws. The turning pitch at Eden Gardens, which saw 15 wickets fall on the second day, has also come under scrutiny. Despite the criticism, Gambhir defended the team's tactics, asserting that they had requested a similar pitch and that the batsmen failed to adapt to the challenge. "It was not an unplayable wicket. This (pitch) is exactly what we asked for and this is what we got, the curator (Sujan Mukherjee) here was very supportive," Gambhir stated in the post-match press conference.
Ganguly, however, stressed the significance of playing on "good pitches" in India and having faith in the Bumrah-Siraj-Shami trio. He believes that Shami, along with quality spinners, can be a match-winner for India.
Gautam Gambhir took over as Head Coach of the Indian team in July 2024, succeeding Rahul Dravid. His tenure has seen mixed results, including victories in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2025 Asia Cup. As a player, Gambhir has had a remarkable career, including crucial performances in the 2007 ICC World T20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
India is currently ranked fourth in the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings. The team has a rich history in Test cricket, having played 597 matches, winning 185, losing 187, and drawing 224, with 1 tie. In the upcoming second Test, Gambhir will be looking to address the concerns raised and guide India to a series-levelling victory. The decision on whether to include Shami in the squad will be closely watched, as it could potentially impact the team's performance and the coach's standing.
