Overview

• Ashwin said on his YouTube channel that Indian cricket operates through indirect messages that leak, discouraging direct player–selector talks.
• He argued Mohammed Shami went public because he lacks clarity about his status, while praising Ajit Agarkar’s public handling and expressing hope a phone call occurred.
• Agarkar acknowledged at a selection press conference that he was not sure of Shami’s current fitness and said he would hold discussions to clarify the situation.
• Shami has not played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy and has been left out of the England Tests and the ODI series in Australia, a stance he has questioned.
• After taking 3/37 and 4/38 for Bengal against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy, Shami’s form has intensified pressure on selectors ahead of forthcoming decisions.