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Mohammed Shami takes aim at Ajit Agarkar over Bhuvneshwar Kumar's late India recall

Mohammed Shami continued his dominant form in domestic cricket, claiming four wickets for just 30 runs in 17.3 overs—including nine maidens—during Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi at Kalyani. Despite his strong performance, the 36-year-old pacer expressed frustration over his exclusion from India’s national team, particularly after Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s late recall for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.

Shami, who last played for India in March 2025, has battled fitness issues, including a chronic Achilles injury that required surgery in 2023, but returned to action in early 2025 after a 14-month recovery. While Kumar’s resurgence—backed by standout IPL seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, including a title defense in 2026—earned him a call-up, Shami’s sarcastic remarks highlighted his own consistent contributions, including a stellar Ranji Trophy performance this season.

The contrast between the two bowlers’ fates has sparked debate over selection criteria, with Shami defending Kumar’s talent and hard work as deserving of recognition sooner.

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