A Critique of Selection Decisions
Former India batter Wasim Jaffer has voiced strong criticism towards the chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for what he perceives as unfair treatment of Mohammed Shami. The veteran fast bowler has once again been left out of the squad for the upcoming Test match against Afghanistan, raising questions about the selection process.
Shami last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy and has remained on the sidelines since then. His recent performance in domestic cricket was also not taken into account by the selection panel. Despite being among the top performers in the Ranji Trophy, where he played a crucial role in helping Bengal reach the semi-finals, Shami’s efforts went unnoticed.
Performance in Domestic Cricket
Jaffer expressed his frustration with the explanation provided by Agarkar, who suggested that Shami was only fit to play in the shortest format of the game. This statement was met with disapproval from Jaffer, who found it unacceptable and disrespectful.
“The explanation is rubbish. We are talking about Mohammed Shami and it is disrespectful. You know this guy has performed and you end declaring him for T20 cricket. He is giving an excuse. You should give clear statement on his exclusion. Shami single-handedly took Bengal to the semi-final of the Ranji Trophy. He led the bowling attack from the front,” Jaffer said.
In the Ranji Trophy, Shami took 37 wickets in 7 matches, while also claiming 16 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 15 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His performances have consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level.
Comparing Shami and Bumrah
Jaffer drew a comparison between Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, stating that both players possess similar skills. He questioned whether Bumrah would be treated in the same manner if he were not fit and made a comeback.
“What if Bumrah is not fit and then makes a comeback? Would you treat him in the same fashion? Mohammed Shami is similar to Bumrah. Any international bowler would rank Shami among the top bowlers. It is disrespectful when it comes to unfair treatment given to him,” he concluded.
Shami’s Current Status
Shami is currently playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League 2026, where he has taken 10 wickets from 12 games. He was traded from Sunrisers Hyderabad after a disappointing season in 2025.
For the record, Bumrah has been rested from the one-off Test against Afghanistan and the three-match ODI series. The selectors are managing his workload. He is currently playing for the Mumbai Indians in the 19th season of the cash-rich league, but is out of form.
After a demanding 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Bumrah has not looked at his best for the five-time champions. This has raised concerns about the balance between workload management and maintaining a competitive team.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Shami’s exclusion highlights the need for transparency and fairness in the selection process. As the cricketing community watches closely, the BCCI and its selectors must address these concerns and ensure that all players receive the recognition they deserve based on their performances and contributions to the sport.
