Former India batter Wasim Jaffer strongly criticised India’s selection committee after Mohammed Shami was omitted from the Test and ODI squads for next month’s Afghanistan series, questioning the reasoning provided by Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar regarding the veteran fast bowler’s fitness. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer defended Shami’s recent performances across domestic cricket and the IPL while arguing that the pacer deserved clearer communication about his standing in India’s plans.
“Yeh to bakwaas hai (It’s rubbish). A player who has performed the whole season, taken over 40 wickets – what more can he do? We are talking about Mohammed Shami, not just any player. A player who has won us so many matches. He took us to the 2023 World Cup final. It’s disrespectful to Mohammed Shami. You tell him to play domestic cricket, prove fitness. You see, this guy comes back after performing, and you say he’s only fit for T20. It’s just an excuse to not select him. Be clear if you don’t consider him – say, ‘We have overlooked him.’ That would be a fair statement. He is coming after guiding Bengal single-handedly to the Ranji Trophy semi-final, the way he spearheaded the bowling,” Jaffer said.
Ajit Agarkar explains Mohammed Shami omission
India’s selectors left Shami out of both the one-off Test and ODI series against Afghanistan despite the fast bowler returning to competitive cricket over recent months. The 35-year-old has featured regularly for Bengal in domestic cricket and has also played for Lucknow Super Giants during IPL 2026, taking 10 wickets in 12 matches with best figures of 2/9 while maintaining an economy rate of 8.8 and a bowling strike rate of 28.2.
Shami last played international cricket during the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, while his previous Test appearance came against Australia in June 2023. The pacer finished as India’s leading wicket-taker during the 2023 ODI World Cup and played a major role in India reaching the final.
Ajit Agarkar told reporters during the squad announcement press conference: “Yeah, I mean no, because as far as we’ve been told, at this point his body is allowing him to… I know he’s played the domestic season and all that this year, but from the information that I’ve got is that at this point, you know, T20 cricket is what he’s sort of ready for, yeah? I mean, so no, there was no discussion regarding his name.”
Jaffer compares Shami treatment to Jasprit Bumrah
Jaffer also questioned whether India’s selectors would handle another senior fast bowler in a similar manner if he returned from injury after years of international success.
“For example, what if Bumrah gets injured and then comes back? Would you treat him the same way? Mohammed Shami is in the same bracket. Go and ask any international batter, and they would rank him on top. It’s disrespectful for the service he has provided to India,” he added.
The discussion around Shami’s future has intensified as India continue transitioning towards a younger group of players across formats, particularly in white-ball cricket. However, Shami’s supporters have pointed to his performances in domestic cricket and his experience at international level as evidence that he still remains capable of contributing in longer formats.
