The ongoing disagreement between veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami and chief selector Ajit Agarkar has caught the attention of the cricketing world, with seasoned all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin recently weighing in on the matter. The crux of the issue stems from Shami's exclusion from India's ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia, a decision that Agarkar attributed to concerns over the bowler's fitness. Shami, however, has countered this narrative, asserting his fitness and expressing his displeasure with the selection committee's reasoning.
Ashwin, known for his insightful observations, addressed the controversy, emphasizing the need for clarity and open communication between players and selectors. He questioned the necessity of airing such disagreements in the public domain, suggesting that a more direct and transparent approach would be beneficial.
"But why is he talking all of this?" Ashwin remarked, pointing to a potential lack of clarity as the primary reason for Shami's public statements. He observed that Shami's decision to voice his concerns to the press likely stemmed from a lack of direct communication and understanding regarding his exclusion. Ashwin also noted that Shami's performance in the Ranji Trophy spoke for itself. Shami took seven wickets against Uttarakhand, which included three wickets in a single over during the first innings. In the second innings, he captured four wickets.
Adding fuel to the fire, Shami responded to Agarkar's fitness remarks by stating, "Let him say whatever he wants. You have seen how I bowled. It is all in front of your eyes". This statement, made after a strong performance in the Ranji Trophy, further highlighted the disconnect between the player and the selection committee.
Agarkar, on his part, has maintained that Shami's fitness was a concern, citing his unavailability for the tour of England as an example. He also expressed openness to including Shami in the team once he meets the required fitness standards. "If Shami were here, I would give him an answer. If he is fit, why would we not have a bowler like Shami?" Agarkar questioned. He also mentioned having had multiple conversations with Shami over the past few months, but refrained from divulging the specifics.
Ashwin, while acknowledging the complexities of the situation, lauded Agarkar's handling of the matter. He expressed hope that a direct conversation between Shami and Agarkar would take place to resolve the misunderstanding and pave the way for a clearer understanding.
Ashwin also touched upon a broader issue within Indian cricket, which he described as a reliance on "indirect speech". He lamented the lack of direct and transparent communication between players and selectors, suggesting that it often leads to misunderstandings and public spats. He expressed his desire for a change in this culture, urging both players and selectors to adopt a more open and direct approach. Ashwin claimed that players were afraid to communicate directly with the selectors as they feared the matter would be leaked.
The controversy surrounding Shami's exclusion and the ensuing war of words with Agarkar underscores the importance of clear communication and mutual understanding in team selection processes. As Ashwin aptly pointed out, a more transparent and direct approach can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that players feel valued and respected. With the ODI series against Australia on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether Shami and Agarkar can bridge the communication gap and work towards a resolution that benefits both the player and Indian cricket.
