Mohammed Shami slams Ajit Agarkar over selection criteria
Indian team ace pacer Mohammed Shami has once again heavily criticised the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar. He has been out of the Indian team ever since the 2025 Champions Trophy, despite being fit. Only the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee can explain why he is currently out of the team.
Shami has consistently played for Bengal in domestic cricket during the 2025-26 domestic season, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He took 67 wickets despite this; he did not come back into the Indian team’s setup.
Well, Mohammed Shami will play for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. Recently, in an interview with Shubankar Mishra, Shami disclosed his retirement plans.
“When I get tired, I will call it a day. But I am not even thinking of retirement right now because such thoughts pull you down. If this thought crosses your mind, it means you’re already tired. And if you’re tired, it means you’re bored. And I have said this earlier, too. I’ll leave cricket the day I wake up and decide to get bored. So yeah, the day I feel lazy or get bored, I’ll leave. But neither am I bored nor am I lazy. I am enjoying. Results are good and positive,” Shami said.
Mohammed Shami was traded by the Lucknow Super Giants from the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for 10 crore INR in the IPL Auction 2025, but he didn’t deliver to his potential. During that edition, he took only 6 wickets in 9 matches. However, Shami will certainly look to bowl in a manner befitting his former stature this season. His sights will undoubtedly be set on making a comeback to the Indian team by delivering a magnificent performance this season.
“As a bowler, I will give my 100 per cent. I’ll perform my responsibilities and try to meet the expectations set for me. Rest, I can’t change my luck. All I can contribute is with my attitude and determination. If Lucknow has trusted me, I will give my all. Still, whenever you’re playing, the main element is satisfaction. Will I get the returns based on all the preparations that I have gone through? I did not focus on how much domestic I’ve played, but on the fact that my rhythm is alright. If that’s the point, I start thinking about the future,” he mentioned.
Mohammed Shami IPL stats
Mohammed Shami made his IPL debut in 2013 for Kolkata Knight Riders. He has represented 5 IPL teams so far, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Lucknow Super Giants is his sixth IPL team. So far, he has taken 133 wickets in 119 matches, with an economy rate of 8.33. LSG will start their IPL 2026 campaign against the Delhi Capitals at Shree Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, on April 1.
