Harbhajan Singh Calls Out Selectors For Ignoring Mohammed Shami Despite Top Form

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has openly criticised head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for repeatedly ignoring veteran pacer Mohammed Shami despite the seamer’s impressive return to competitive cricket. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 45-year-old off-spinner questioned the logic behind Shami’s prolonged absence from the national white-ball squad, especially after the 34-year-old picked up nine wickets in five Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches, including a four-wicket haul in his latest outing for Bengal.

Shami has not played for India since the triumphant Champions Trophy campaign earlier in 2025, and his continued exclusion has baffled many former players and fans. Harbhajan pointed out that India’s bowling attack looks significantly weaker without Jasprit Bumrah and argued that experienced, in-form bowlers like Shami are being unfairly sidelined. “Where is Shami? I don’t know why Shami is not playing,” he said, adding that younger pacers such as Prasidh Krishna still have a lot to learn.

The criticism gained added weight after India failed to defend 359 runs in the second ODI against South Africa, with the bowling unit struggling to contain the hosts in the death overs. Harbhajan emphasised that the team lacks enough match-winners in limited-overs cricket when Bumrah is unavailable, a concern that has surfaced repeatedly in recent series. He praised Mohammed Siraj’s Test performances in Bumrah’s absence but stressed that white-ball formats demand different wicket-taking skills.

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Harbhajan also called for the inclusion of mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in the ODI setup, noting that Chakaravarthy is already part of the T20I side and could provide variety. “Find spinners who can come in and take wickets. There is Kuldeep, but what about the rest?” he asked, urging the management to build a more balanced and potent bowling attack.

The former spinner warned that constantly overlooking proven performers risks weakening India’s depth ahead of major tournaments. With the team management under increasing scrutiny, pressure is mounting to clarify selection criteria and give due weight to domestic performances.

As India prepares for a busy international calendar, the debate over Shami’s place in the side is likely to intensify, with several voices in the cricketing fraternity echoing Harbhajan Singh’s demand for a rethink in selection policy.

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