If fit, Shami is an automatic choice for Champions Trophy, says Ganguly

FORMER INDIA SKIPPER Sourav Ganguly has backed Mohammed Shami and stated that the Delhi Daredevils pacer is an automatic choice in the Indian squad going into the ICC Champions Trophy. 

Ganguly mentioned about Shami’s performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad and reckoned that the selectors shouldn’t have second thoughts about his inclusion while announcing the squad for the upcoming major event in England. As reported by IANS, the ‘Prince of Calcutta’ said, 

"Shami fared quite well against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The ball to get rid of (David) Warner was a very good one. If he is fit, he is well and truly an automatic choice in the Indian team. No second thoughts on that."

In the match against SRH, Shami had claimed two wickets in Kane Williamson and David Warner and was adjudged as the Man of the Match for his impressive figures. 

Although uncertainty looms over India’s participation in Champions Trophy, Ganguly said that it wouldn't be unwise to select Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir as a back-up opener.

"Gambhir is in good form, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep him in the fray. Besides, Lokesh Rahul too is not available at the moment."

Speaking about Royal Challengers Bangalore’s disappointing campaign in IPL 10, the 44-year-old said,

"They lost momentum at the start itself and it's really difficult to recover, considering the format of the game. You just don't get enough time. Also, some of their main players (Virat Kohli and A.B. de Villiers) weren't available during the initial stages, which let them down. Moreover, having big names in the squad doesn't always mean that you will do well all the time." 

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