Ajit Agarkar Under Fire for Ignoring Mohammed Shami Harbhajan Singh Slams Selection Committee
Agarkar
Harbhajan Singh and others have criticized Ajit Agarkar for repeatedly leaving Mohammed Shami out of the national squad despite strong domestic performances and fitness questioning fairness and transparency in selections
New Delhi, December 5, 2025: The chairman of the national selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, has come under renewed criticism after senior players and pundits raised questions over the repeated exclusion of fast bowler Mohammed Shami from India’s playing squads despite strong domestic performance and claims of full fitness.
Veteran cricketer Harbhajan Singh publicly questioned Agarkar’s decision, calling the omission “unjustified” and demanding clarity from the selection committee. The criticism echoes outside the dressing room, with many wondering why a proven performer like Shami who recently took multiple wickets in domestic matches continues to be overlooked.
From Agarkar’s side, the official explanation has been fitness and lack of recent sufficient match time. When asked about Shami’s future, Agarkar said that the pacer was still being assessed for fitness and would be considered only if he proved match-ready in upcoming domestic fixtures.
However, critics including Shami’s coach Mohammed Badruddin argue that the repeated snubs amount to selective bias rather than objective evaluation. Badruddin dismissed the ‘fitness’ argument, pointing out that Shami had taken 15 wickets in recent matches, making his exclusion “unfathomable.” He called the decision unfair and accused the selection committee of ignoring merit.
As the debate intensifies, fans and former players alike are demanding transparency in selection criteria. Many argue that decisions regarding veterans must be based strictly on performance and fitness data not subjective judgments. Whether Shami gets a fair shot in upcoming series remains to be seen; but for now, Agarkar faces mounting pressure to justify his selections.
