Would you treat Bumrah the same as Shami? Former Indian batsman criticizes Ajit Agarkar

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer criticized chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI for their treatment of Mohammed Shami after the Indian pacer was again dropped from India’s selection. Shami last played for India in Champions Trophy 2025 and has not been considered since then. Again he failed to get a seat Indian squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series.

Temper has been doing well on the domestic circuit since then, leading Bengal to the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy. Speaking to the media after India unveiled their team on May 19, Ajit Agarkar revealed that Mohammed Shami was not considered for selection in the longer format even on that occasion. Agarkar said that Shami is only good at playing T20 at the moment.

Jaffer hit out at Agarkar and called the Chief Collector’s explanation nonsense. The former opener said the selection committee needs to be clear if Shami is being overlooked.

“It’s nonsense (Ajit Agarkar’s explanation). We’re talking about Mohammad Shami, not just any player. It’s disrespectful to Mohammad Shami. You see, this guy is performing and you’re saying he’s only fit for T20s. It’s an excuse. If you’re not considering him, be clear, ‘We overlooked him.’ That would be a fair statement. He’s coming after he single-handedly led Bengal to the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy (season), the way he led the bowling,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.

Shami took 37 wickets from 7 matches during Ranji Trophy 2025-26. He also took 16 wickets from seven Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches last season and 15 from seven during the Vijay Hazare trophy.

“SHAMI IS IN THE SAME BLOCK AS BUMRAH”

Jaffer said that Bumrah and Shami are in the same group in terms of their skills. Jaffer asked if the BCCI would have dealt with Bumrah the same way they dealt with Shami if he was in a similar situation.

“What if Bumrah gets injured and he comes back? Would you treat him the same way? Mohammad Shami is in the same group. Go and ask any international batsman and they would put him first. It’s disrespectful to the service he has given to India,” he concluded.

Shami has taken 10 wickets from 12 matches in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.

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Published on:

20 May 2026 18:26 IST