Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla launched a scathing attack on the national selection committee after senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami was once again ignored for India’s ODI squad. Expressing his disappointment openly, Shukla described the decision as an “injustice” and went as far as calling it “shameful.”
According to him, Shami has done everything possible to force his way back into the national side, especially through consistent and impactful performances in domestic cricket.
Shukla questioned how a bowler of Shami’s experience and proven match-winning ability could be overlooked despite meeting every selection parameter laid out by the selectors themselves.
Domestic Dominance Ignored, Says Shukla
Shukla highlighted Shami’s strong performances across domestic tournaments, stressing that the pacer has shown exceptional commitment by returning to the grind of Indian domestic cricket after injury layoffs.
He pointed out that Shami has been among the wickets regularly and has displayed fitness, discipline, and hunger — qualities selectors often claim to value. “If performances in domestic cricket don’t count, then what is the point of playing there?” Shukla asked, voicing a concern shared by many within Indian cricket circles.
He argued that Shami’s exclusion sends a wrong message to domestic performers, suggesting that even excellence at that level does not guarantee consideration for national selection.
Questions for Agarkar and the Selection Committee
The Bengal coach also directed his criticism at selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, questioning the consistency and transparency of the selection process. Shukla compared Shami’s omission with the inclusion of other senior players such as KL Rahul, noting that opportunities seem unevenly distributed. He reiterated that Shami is not just any domestic bowler but a proven international match-winner who has delivered for India on the biggest stages.
Calling the repeated snub “hard to understand,” Shukla warned that ignoring experienced players like Shami could hurt India in crucial tournaments. He concluded by saying that Shami “deserves respect, not neglect,” and urged selectors to reassess their approach before it’s too late.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.