Since Mohammed Shami finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for the Men in Blue in their successful 2025 Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, the BCCI selectors have not included him in the national team, prompting Manoj Tiwary to question their communication methods.
With 20 wickets in four Ranji Trophy games this season, Shami has done well for Bengal in domestic cricket.
Tiwary believes that despite the impressive performance, the selectors have failed to have open lines of communication and openness with the seasoned bowler.
“The team circle appears to lack understanding and trust. In an interview with India Today, Tiwary said, “Mohammed Shami has taken wickets for Bengal on a regular basis, but he wasn’t picked for Test matches or even the ODIs in Australia.”
In response to Shami’s absence from the two-match Test series against the West Indies in October, chief selector Ajit Agarkar earlier acknowledged that the panel was unsure of the speedster’s condition.
“I don’t have any updates. He participated in the Duleep Trophy, but he hasn’t played much cricket in the past two to three years. We are aware of his abilities as a performer, but he must play cricket, Agarkar had stated.
The former India bowler’s response was challenged by Tiwary, who stated that management, physiotherapists, and trainers should be in charge of informing selection. A player of Shami’s calibre should be communicated directly, not kept in the dark, the former Indian hitter said.
There was no fitness update, according to selectors. Whose job is that, though? Updates should be given by physiotherapists and trainers. He stressed, “At the very least, call the player and ask.” You may at least give him a call; he is an experienced player who has been involved for years. The coach and selection committee are in charge of that,” Tiwary said.
In the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in 2023, Shami made his final outing for India in the red-ball format.
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