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Shami Speaks Out After Exclusion from India Tours
20 Oct
Summary
- Shami says his domestic form proves his fitness
- Agarkar says Shami could have been selected if fit
- Ashwin calls for more direct communication in Indian cricket
In the lead-up to the 2025-26 season, a controversy has erupted around the exclusion of fast bowler Mohammed Shami from India's recent limited-overs tour of Australia and the England tour.
Shami, who was overlooked for both tours, has responded by saying that his availability and performances for his domestic team Bengal in the Ranji Trophy prove that he is fit and ready to play for India. "Let him say whatever he wants. You've seen how I bowled. It's all in front of your eyes," Shami said, referring to comments made by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Agarkar had stated that if Shami was fit, he would have been selected for the England tour. "Unfortunately, he wasn't. Our domestic season has just started, so we'll see if he is fit enough, and we'll see where it goes," Agarkar said.
Commenting on the situation, senior India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin emphasized the need for more direct communication between players and administrators. "Everything in Indian cricket runs on indirect speech. That is something I really wish would change. It has to change from both the players' side and the administrators' side as well," Ashwin said.
Ashwin believes that if Shami had been given clarity on the team's expectations, he could have responded accordingly. "If Shami had been given clarity, like 'this is what we're expecting,' then he could respond accordingly. Or, has Shami received the communication and is choosing not to disclose it? We don't know the reality," Ashwin added.
