Kolkata, October 27, 2025 – Amidst swirling speculation surrounding Mohammed Shami's exclusion from the national side, a new chapter unfolded at Eden Gardens following Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat. RP Singh, the newly appointed BCCI selector, engaged in what sources describe as a "lengthy" and "detailed" conversation with the senior Indian pacer. This meeting occurred against the backdrop of a publicized disagreement between Shami and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation.
Shami's absence from the Indian team has been a talking point since the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025. The 35-year-old, who played a key role in India's championship-winning run, has not featured in any international match since then. His exclusion from the ODI series against Australia raised eyebrows, particularly after Shami's strong performance in the Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand, where he claimed seven wickets.
The selection controversy ignited when Shami stated that there had been no communication from the selectors regarding his availability and subsequent omissions. He further asserted his fitness, implying that he was ready and willing to play for India.
In response to Shami's claims, Ajit Agarkar cited fitness concerns as the primary reason for the pacer's exclusion. Agarkar stated that Shami was not fit enough to be considered for the England tour and that his general match fitness had been inconsistent over the past several months. He also added, "If Shami was here, I would give him an answer. If he is fit, why wouldn't we have a bowler like Shami? I have had multiple chats with him".
Shami, however, seemed to refute Agarkar's assessment, pointing to his performance in the Ranji Trophy as evidence of his fitness. "Let him say whatever he wants. You have seen how I bowled. It is all in front of your eyes," Shami told reporters at Eden Gardens.
Enter RP Singh, the former Indian pacer who recently joined the selection committee. Singh's meeting with Shami at Eden Gardens is seen as an attempt to clear the air and bridge the communication gap between the selectors and the player. According to a report in Sportskeeda, Singh aimed to "close the chapter" after the recent media exchanges between Shami and Agarkar.
The specifics of the conversation between Singh and Shami remain undisclosed. However, it is likely that they discussed Shami's fitness, his future prospects with the Indian team, and the communication issues that have plagued the selection process. Some reports suggest the meeting aimed to address Shami's concerns about the lack of clarity regarding his exclusion and to assess his readiness for upcoming series, including the T20I series against Australia.
This incident highlights the complexities of team selection and the importance of clear communication between players and selectors. While fitness is undoubtedly a crucial factor, transparency and mutual understanding are equally vital in maintaining a healthy team environment. Whether this meeting will pave the way for Shami's return to the Indian side remains to be seen, but it signifies a step towards resolving the ongoing selection saga.
