Star India cricketer urges end to ‘indirect talks’ in Indian cricket following Shami’s remarks on selectors, says, ‘I really wish…’

Star India cricketer R Ashwin has urged the BCCI to ensure clear communication between players and selectors, citing Mohammed Shami's recent exclusion from the ODI squad as an example of the confusion caused by indirect communication

New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his hope for improved communication between Mohammed Shami and India’s selection committee, which is lead by Ajit Agarkar, following a recent media exchange. Shami, who was excluded from India’s recently concluded Test series against the West Indies and the ongoing ODI series in Australia, said that it was not his responsibility to inform the selectors about his fitness. Agarkar, on the other hand, revealed that Shami would be considered for selection if he remains injury-free in the coming months.

On his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted that indirect communication between players and the selectors often escalates such situations.

Ashwin said ‘indirect’ communication escalates such situations

Ashwin stated that Indian cricket involves a lot of “indirect” communication, and he hopes this practice will come to an end. “I will say one thing openly, everything in Indian cricket runs on indirect talks. I really wish that it changes,” he said on his Youtube channel. “It has to change from both the players side and the administrators and selectors side as well. What I have noticed is that if something direct is said, it is bound to come out in the news. So there is no confidence in the player to approach someone and tell them that this is exactly what they want.”

Ashwin reflected on Shami’s situation as an example of the confusion that occurs after lack of communication.

“Look at what Shami did. He performed and then talked in the press conference, there is nothing wrong with that. But why is he talking all of this? Because he does not have clarity. If he had clarity over what is expected of him, then Shami will be able to say that. Or has Shami received that communication and is not disclosing that? We don’t know the reality. So to be guessing on that is the wrong thing to do. Whenever I as a player didn’t have clarity I always felt a little low. I used to wonder what can I do now, shall I talk to someone? But if I talk, will that leak? That trust is very important,” he added.

Ashwin also commended Agarkar for managing the situation professionally

While talking about the communication gap, Ashwin also commended Ajit Agarkar for managing the situation professionally.

“But, at the same time, I really loved how Ajit Agarkar handled it. He said if Shami wants to say something I’ll pick up the phone and talk to him. I really hope that phone call has happened,” Ashwin said.

34-year-old Shami last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. He began the tournament strongly with a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh but failed to deliver in the later stage of the tournament. He picked three wickets in the semifinal against Australia. For the ongoing ODI series in Australia, India chose Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna as their pace attack, with Jasprit Bumrah being rested.