IND vs SA 2025: 'There seems to be a lack of trust and understanding within the team circle' - Former India batter questions Mohammed Shami's absence

Manoj Tiwary questioned the communication practices of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors, as they have not included Mohammed Shami in the national team since he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for the Men in Blue in their triumphant 2025 Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year.

Shami has performed well for Bengal in domestic cricket, picking up 20 wickets in four matches this season in the Ranji Trophy. Even after the strong showing, Tiwary feels that the selectors have not managed to maintain transparency and basic communication with the experienced bowler.

“There seems to be a lack of trust and understanding within the team circle. Mohammed Shami has taken wickets consistently for Bengal, but he wasn’t selected for Tests or even the ODIs in Australia,” Tiwary stated in an interview with India Today.

Earlier, chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed Shami’s absence during the two-match Test series versus the West Indies in October, admitting that the panel had no clear update on the speedster’s fitness.

“I have no update. He played in the Duleep Trophy, but in the last two to three years, he hasn’t played a lot of cricket. As a performer, we know what he can do, but he has to play cricket,” Agarkar had said.

Tiwary criticised this explanation from the former India bowler, saying that it is the responsibility of the trainers, physios, and management to keep selectors informed. The former Indian batter noted that a player of Shami's stature deserves direct communication rather than being kept in ignorance.

“Selectors said there was no fitness update. But whose job is that? Trainers and physios should provide updates. At least pick up the phone and ask the player,” he emphasised. “He is a senior player who has contributed for years—you can at least call him. That’s the responsibility of the coach and selection committee," Tiwary mentioned.

Shami's last appearance for India in the red-ball format was in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.