Former Team India cricketer Manoj Tiwari raised questions on the BCCI selection panel for ignoring Mohammed Shami for the ongoing two-match Test series against South Africa. Tiwari said that despite his excellent performance in domestic cricket, there was poor communication regarding Shami’s ouster.
Shami has been ignored in the recent Indian team. The senior fast bowler has not taken part in any Test since the 2023 WTC Final. He has impressed for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, taking 20 wickets at an average of 18.60 in just four matches. The name of this fast bowler was not considered for the Test series against South Africa.
Mohammed Shami has taken wickets consistently for Bengal – Manoj Tiwari criticizes Ajit Agarkar
Speaking to India Today, Manoj Tiwary criticized the selectors for the lack of communication with Mohammed Shami. Tiwari said that Shami has consistently taken wickets for Bengal, which raises questions about how selection decisions are being taken.
“It seems there is a lack of trust and understanding in the team circle. Mohammed Shami has taken wickets consistently for Bengal, but he was not even selected for Tests or ODIs in Australia,” he told India Today.
After announcing the team for the Test series against West Indies, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that there is no update on Shami’s fitness. However, Shami played Ranji Trophy matches during the West Indies tour in 2025-26.
Selectors said there was no fitness update – Manoj Tiwari
Manoj Tiwari was not happy with the way the situation was handled. Tiwari said that it is the responsibility of the support staff and selectors to know the condition of a player. He said trainers and physios should keep the selectors informed and the panel should contact the player directly if needed.
“The selectors said there is no fitness update. But whose job is it? The trainers and physios should provide updates. At least pick up the phone and ask the player,” he stressed. “He is a senior player who has contributed over the years – you can at least call him up. That is the responsibility of the coach and the selection committee.”
Mohammed Shami has not yet played for India since the Champions Trophy final.
Mohammed Shami has not played for India since the Champions Trophy final in March, where he was one of the team’s leading wicket-takers. There were expectations that he would return for the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy in England, but the selectors did not consider him due to fitness concerns.
Shami is 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 the opposition batsmen.
The Bengal fast bowler was injured during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He missed most of the international cricket until the England series. Shami has played 64 Tests and taken 229 wickets, along with more than 200 ODI wickets and 27 wickets in T20Is.
Tiwary’s recent comments have once again drawn attention to the communication issues between selectors and players. The selectors have not announced that they have moved ahead with Shami for the national cricket team.
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