Ajit Agarkar Criticised by Former BCCI President for Leaving Out Star Bowler

The Indian team is surely having a hard time with its experience in the pace bowling line-up. And amidst all this, the exclusion of Mohammed Shami has been questioned by almost every cricket analyst. Now, the former BCCI President has also criticised Ajit Agarkar for the same.

If we talk about experienced bowlers in the Indian team's pace department, it is only Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. There was another player in this list, but he has been ignored by the BCCI selectors for a long time. And you guessed it right, it was the best ICC bowler for India, Mohammed Shami.

Shami last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy, and even helped the team to win the title. But since then, he has been excluded from the line-up and is not even a part of the series against South Africa. It should also be noted that Shami has been actively making appearances in the domestics, but has not received a chance in the national side again.

1. Former BCCI President Voices His Opinion

The former BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly, has voiced his opinion on this matter. Sourav Ganguly has been watching Shami's performance in the domestic circuit, as he is able to constantly take wickets for Bengal. Despite his best efforts, he has not been able to make his comeback to the Indian team, with his last match being at the Champions Trophy final.

Sourav Ganguly reacted to this as he said, “I’m sure the selectors are watching. I’m sure there is communication between Mohammed Shami and selectors; I don’t know. But if you ask me, in terms of fitness and skills, it’s the Mohammed Shami we know of. So I really don’t see any reason why can’t he keep playing Test matches and one-day and T20 cricket for India because the skill is enormous.”

It can be seen that not just the Indian fans, even the former BCCI President is left with some questions. Fans still question what Shami has to do more to get his name back to the Indian team. Ganguly also said that he hopes the communication between Ajit Agarkar and Mohammed Shami has now improved.

2. Harbhajan Singh Questions Shami's Exclusion

It is not just Sourav Ganguly who has questioned the exclusion of Mohammed Shami. Harbhajan Singh, former Indian cricketer, also questioned on this matter. He emphasised on the fact that the Indian team should be having match winners even if Jasprit Bumrah is not available to play.

He said, “Where is Shami? I don't know why Shami is not playing. I get it, you have Prasidh, he is a good bowler, but he still has a lot to learn. You had good bowlers, and you have slowly sidelined them. With Bumrah, this is a different bowling attack, and without Bumrah, it is an entirely different attack altogether. We have to learn the art of winning games without Jasprit Bumrah.”

Harbhajan Singh continued by saying, “In England, without Bumrah, Siraj was unbelievable, fantastic. India won all the Tests where Bumrah did not feature. But, in shorter formats, we need to find people who can win you games, whether it be fast bowling or spin. Find spinners who can come in and take wickets. There is Kuldeep, but what about the rest?"

3. Shami in Domestics 

For Mohammed Shami, it should be noted that he has been a part of Bengal's team in the domestic format. And this time, he also remains eager to get back to the Indian team with his performances in the domestic. Due to this reason, fans have been able to watch Shami play consistently across all the domestic tournaments.

Mohammed Shami in SMAT 2025/26:

• Innings: 7
• Overs: 26.5
• Wickets: 16
• Average: 14.93
• Economy: 8.90
• Four-wicket Hauls: 2

Currently in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shami has once again impressed the selectors with his performances. It is also being reported that Ajit Agarkar is actively looking at the games in the SMAT. And this could be the right time for Shami to get his comeback to the Indian team. Shami also remains the third highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

Mohammed Shami in Ranji Trophy 2025/26:

• Innings: 7
• Overs: 145.2
• Maidens: 31
• Wickets: 20
• Average: 18.60
• Economy: 2.55
• Four-wicket Hauls: 1
• Five-wicket Hauls: 1

Along with his performances in the T20 format, he has also been working on a Test comeback. It can also be noted with the fact that Shami remained a consistent wicket-taker for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2025/26. With Shami taking wickets in the Indian conditions, it would be a lot helpful for the team to include him in the line-up amidst the transition phase.