Bharat Arun criticizes India selectors regarding Mohammed Shami international exclusion

Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has publicly questioned the national selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar for keeping Mohammed Shami out of the squad. Shami has not represented India since the Champions Trophy tournament in March 2025. Despite his absence from international cricket, the 36-year-old continues to compete in domestic matches, recently marking his 100th first-class appearance while playing for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy. East Zone captain Ishan Kishan noted that Shami has displayed high intensity and a clear hunger to return to the national setup. The pacer previously engaged in a public disagreement with selectors over fitness concerns, though he maintained his participation in Ranji Trophy matches as evidence of his readiness. Arun argued that age should not be the primary factor for exclusion as long as the veteran remains capable of producing results.

• 11:31 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Shouldn’t have closed door on Mohammed Shami’: Ex-India coach questions Ajit Agarkar-led selectors