A new controversy has erupted in Indian cricket after Mohammed Shami and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar clashed over Shami’s fitness status. What began as a comment on fitness has now turned into a bigger debate on communication within Indian cricket.
Fitness Debate Turns Ugly
The issue began when Shami was left out of India’s limited-overs tour of Australia. He pointed out that being asked to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy proved he was fit. Shami added that it wasn’t his responsibility to keep selectors informed about his availability.
Agarkar’s Response Sparks Tension
Agarkar responded publicly, saying, “If he was fit, he’d have been on that plane. Unfortunately, he just wasn’t.” He also mentioned that proper communication between the two would have cleared the misunderstanding. His remarks only deepened the divide.
Shami Fires Back
Shami didn’t hold back. He said, “He can say what he wants, but if you watch how I bowled, you’ll know how I’m doing.” For Shami, his performance speaks louder than any medical report. The exchange highlighted a larger problem — unclear communication between selectors and players.
Ashwin Steps In
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also weighed in on the matter. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said the issue wasn’t just about fitness but the lack of transparent communication. Ashwin noted that if selectors had clearly shared their expectations, this entire situation could have been avoided.
Communication Breakdown in Indian Cricket
Ashwin praised Agarkar for staying calm but stressed the need for respect and open dialogue. He said trust and clarity are vital in a team built on unity. Without proper communication, confusion grows, and relationships between players and selectors suffer.
Time for Change
This episode has once again exposed a deep flaw in Indian cricket’s management. For a team that prides itself on unity, clear communication between selectors and players is essential. Without it, misunderstandings like this will keep repeating and damage team morale.
