The ongoing dispute between senior pacer Mohammed Shami and head selector Ajit Agarkar has sparked discussion about communication issues in Indian cricket. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has broken his silence on the issue, urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to promote greater transparency and direct communication between players and selection committees. He made these remarks following Shami’s public unhappiness with his omission from the last Australia ODI series and the uncertainties surrounding his fitness status.
The controversy began when Agarkar stated at a press conference announcing India’s selection for the Australia series that he was unaware of Shami’s current fitness levels. Meanwhile, the pacer responded that it was not his obligation to keep selectors updated on his health, claiming that he had already demonstrated match fitness by representing Bengal in the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy. The 34-year-old bowler, who last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, expressed irritation at being sidelined due to a lack of clear communication.
However, the head selector later stated that he was willing to contact personally with Shami to address any misunderstandings. However, the situation deteriorated when the pacer, after taking seven wickets in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy victory over Uttarakhand, told reporters that Agarkar could say whatever he wanted. Ravichandran Ashwin addressed the row on his YouTube channel, mentioning the ongoing issue of indirect communication in Indian cricket. The experienced spinner stated that both players and authorities must seek to develop mutual trust and transparency.
“I will say one thing openly, everything in Indian cricket runs on indirect talks. I really wish that it changes. It has to change from both the players’ side and the administrators’ and selectors’ side as well. What I have noticed is that if something direct is said, it is bound to come out in the news. So there is no confidence in the player to approach someone and tell them that this is exactly what they want,” Ashwin said.
I really loved how Ajit Agarkar handled it: Ashwin
The 37-year-old emphasized that such open conversations could prevent players from expressing their differences through the media. He urged the BCCI to develop a system where selectors and players could communicate directly and confidently about selection, performance, and fitness expectations without the fear of leaks or misinterpretation. Using Shami’s case as an example, Ashwin pointed out how lack of clarity can lead to frustration.
“Look at what Shami did. He performed and then talked in the press conference, there is nothing wrong with that. But why is he talking all of this? Because he does not have clarity. If he had clarity over what is expected of him, then Shami will be able to say that. Or has Shami received that communication and is not disclosing that? We don’t know the reality.
So to be guessing on that is the wrong thing to do. Whenever I as a player didn’t have clarity I always felt a little low. I used to wonder what can I do now, shall I talk to someone? But if I talk, will that leak? That trust is very important,” he added.
However, Ashwin also lauded Agarkar for handling the situation brilliantly and hopes the two clarify the ongoing concerns.
“But, at the same time, I really loved how Ajit Agarkar handled it. He said if Shami wants to say something I’ll pick up the phone and talk to him. I really hope that phone call has happened,” Ashwin concluded.
India
