Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has criticized the current selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, for excluding veteran pacer Mohammed Shami from the national team. Arun believes Shami, 36, still has the ability to contribute despite not playing for India since winning the Champions Trophy in March 2025.
Shami has continued to perform well in domestic cricket, but has remained absent from the Indian team. This has led to speculation about the end of his international career. Arun argues that age should not be a factor when considering a performing player, highlighting Shami’s durability and experience. “They shouldn't have closed the door on Shami. There is still plenty of cricket left in him. When someone is performing, age shouldn't be a factor,” Arun told the Indian Express.
Shami’s omission has been particularly noticeable when Jasprit Bumrah has been unavailable, with the Indian management opting for younger pace options. Last year, Agarkar questioned Shami’s fitness after leaving him out of the Test squad for the series against the West Indies. Shami responded by stating he would not have been playing Ranji Trophy cricket if he was not fit.
East Zone captain Ishan Kishan has also observed a renewed intensity from Shami during the current domestic season. “As a captain, looking at the effort, I felt very nice, because Shami bhai coming in, asking me for those extra overs to get the wickets, it always gives confidence,” Kishan said. He added that Shami’s motivation for domestic cricket, despite not being a regular in the Indian team, has been impressive. “Looking at Shami bhai this season, I feel he has been very different…his intensity, his energy has been very different.” Shami is currently playing for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone in Chennai.
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