Ajit Agarkar attacked by Gautam Gambhir’s teammate over Mohammed Shami’s India snub

Former Team India cricketer Manoj Tiwary questioned the BCCI selection panel for ignoring Mohammed Shami for the ongoing two-match Test series against South Africa. Tiwary stated that there was poor communication regarding Shami's exclusion despite his impressive performances in domestic cricket.

Shami has been overlooked for recent India squads. The senior pacer hasn’t featured in a Test since the 2023 WTC Final. He has impressed for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, taking 20 wickets in just four matches at an average of 18.60. The fast bowler was not considered for the Test series against South Africa.

Mohammed Shami Has Taken Wickets Consistently For Bengal - Manoj Tiwary Slams Ajit Agarkar

Speaking to India Today, Manoj Tiwary slammed the selectors for the lack of communication with Mohammed Shami. Tiwary noted that Shami has consistently taken wickets for Bengal, raising questions about how selection decisions are being made.

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“There seems to be a lack of trust and understanding within the team circle. Mohammed Shami has taken wickets consistently for Bengal, but he wasn't selected for Tests or even the ODIs in Australia,” he told India Today.

Following the squad announcement for the Test series against the West Indies, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that there was no update on Shami’s fitness. However, Shami played in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy matches during the West Indies tour.

Selectors Said There Was No Fitness Update - Manoj Tiwary

Manoj Tiwary was not happy with how the situation was handled. Tiwary said that it is the responsibility of the support staff and selectors to know a player’s condition. He stated that trainers and physios should keep the selectors informed, and if needed, the panel should directly contact the player.

“Selectors said there was no fitness update. But whose job is that? Trainers and physios should provide updates. At least pick up the phone and ask the player,” he emphasised. “He is a senior player who has contributed for years—you can at least call him. That's the responsibility of the coach and selection committee.”

Mohammed Shami Yet To Feature For India Since the Champions Trophy Final

Mohammed Shami has not appeared for India since the Champions Trophy final in March, where he finished as one of the team’s leading wicket-takers. There was anticipation that he would return for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, but the selectors did not consider him due to fitness concerns.

Shami has been active in domestic cricket and continues to play an important role for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. He has taken 20 wickets in four matches and has consistently troubled opposition batters.

The Bengal pacer suffered an injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He missed the majority of international cricket until the England series. Shami has played 64 Tests and taken 229 wickets, along with over 200 ODI wickets and 27 in T20Is.

Tiwary’s recent remarks have once again brought attention to communication issues between selectors and players. The selectors have not announced that they have moved on from Shami for the national cricket team.

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