Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu slammed selectors for not including Mohammad Shami for the one-off Test and three ODIs against Afghanistan. Shami has scalped 10 wickets in 12 matches of the ongoing IPL 2026 at an average of 41.40 and an economy rate of 8.80.
However, Shami has performed consistently in the domestic circuit for Bengal, but he has been continuously ignored by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel.
Shami didn’t have a great run in IPL 2025, taking six wickets in nine matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad at an average of 56.16 and a high economy rate of 11.23. However, Shami scalped 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches of the previous season at an average of 16.73 and played a key role in taking Bengal to the semifinal of the tournament.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar claimed that Shami is only fit for T20s but Rayudu termed the explanation as ‘rubbish’.
Ambati Rayudu said on ESPN Cricinfo, “It’s rubbish (Ajit Agarkar’s explanation). We are talking about Mohammad Shami, not just any player. It’s disrespectful to Mohammad Shami. You see, this guy is performing, and you say he’s only fit for T20. It’s an excuse. Be clear if you don’t consider him, you, ‘We have overlooked him.’ That would be a fair statement. He is coming after guiding Bengal single-handedly to the Ranji Trophy (season) semi-final, the way he spearheaded the bowling.
“What if Bumrah gets injured, and he comes back? Would you treat him the same way? Mohammad Shami is in the same bracket. Go and ask any international batter, and they would rank him on top. It’s disrespectful for the services he provided to India.”
Ajit Agarkar revealed that there was no discussion on Mohammad Shami for a place in the Test team as he isn’t yet ready for the red-ball format.
“No (discussions on Shami’s Test return). As far as we have been told that at this point … his body is allowing him to (play), I know he has played a domestic season this year. But from the information that I have got, is that at this point, it’s T20 cricket that he’s sort of ready for. So, there was no discussion regarding him.”
Shami didn’t play the last game for LSG in the ongoing IPL 2026.
