The ongoing conflict between chief selector Ajit Agarkar and senior pacer Mohammed Shami has spurred discussion about communication breakdowns in Indian cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should encourage greater openness and direct contact between players and selectors, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has spoken out on the subject. Following Shami’s public expression of disappointment over his omission from the most recent Australia ODI series and the uncertainties surrounding his fitness status, he made these remarks.
The dispute started when Agarkar expressed uncertainty over Shami’s current fitness levels during a press conference naming India’s team for the Australia series. The bowler responded that it was not his duty to inform the selectors of his health, claiming that he had already demonstrated his match fitness by competing for Bengal in the Duleep Trophy and the Ranji Trophy. The 34-year-old pacer, who last played for India against New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, complained about being kept out of action without having clear information.
Later, though, the chief selector stated that he was willing to have a straight conversation with Shami in order to clear up any confusion. But when the pacer informed reporters that Agarkar could say whatever he wanted after taking seven wickets in Bengal’s victory against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy, the situation became heated. In response to the controversy, Ravichandran Ashwin discussed the persistent problem of indirect communication in Indian cricket on his YouTube channel. According to the seasoned spinner, administrators and players alike must endeavor to increase openness and trust between them.
“I’ll be honest: indirect conversations are the foundation of Indian cricket. I’d really like to see a change. Both the players’ and the administrators’ and selectors’ perspectives must shift. I’ve seen that if something is said directly, it will inevitably make the headlines. Therefore, Ashwin stated that the player lacks the confidence to go up to someone and tell them that this is exactly what they desire.
I thought Ajit Agarkar handled it pretty well: Ashwin.
Such candid discussions, the 37-year-old stressed, might keep athletes from using the media to voice their disagreements. In order to avoid leaks or misunderstandings, he pushed the BCCI to create a framework that would allow players and selectors to speak openly and directly about performance, fitness, and selection standards. Ashwin illustrated how irritation might result from a lack of understanding by using Shami’s situation as an example.
“Observe what Shami did. It’s quite OK for him to perform before speaking at the press conference. What is he talking about, though? because his lucidity is lacking. Shami would be able to say that if he understood exactly what was expected of him. Or has Shami gotten that message and isn’t telling anyone? We are unaware of the truth. Therefore, speculating on it is incorrect. I always felt a little depressed as a player when I lacked clarity. I used to question, “What can I do now? Should I speak with someone?” Will it spill, though, if I speak? “That trust is really important,” he continued.
However, Ashwin also praised Agarkar for his excellent handling of the matter and expressed hope that the two will address the lingering issues.
I thought Ajit Agarkar did a great job with it, though. He promised to call Shami and speak with him if he had anything to say. “I sincerely hope that phone call has been placed,” Ashwin said.
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