‘This is Nation’s Team, not a…..’ Why Mohammed Shami’s Coach angry on Gambhir and Agarkar, the reason is…. News24 –
EXCLUSIVE: India’s ongoing Test series against South Africa has taken a worrying turn, and the heat is no longer just on the players, it’s now firmly on the selectors. After losing the first Test by 30 runs in Kolkata, India delivered another below-par batting performance in the second Test at Guwahati, getting bowled out for just 201 while chasing 489 and even failing to avoid the follow-on.
With criticism pouring in from all corners, former India cricketer Mohammed Shami’s and Bengal’s coach, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, has openly questioned the selection decisions made by Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar. In an exclusive interview with News 24’s Alsaba Zaya, Shukla didn’t hold back, calling out what he believes are flawed choices that are hurting Indian cricket.
‘This Isn’t Anyone’s Home Team’ – Shukla’s Explosive Statement
Shukla, known for being straightforward and sharp in his analysis, expressed deep frustration over India’s current approach.
“Cricket will respect those who respect it,” he said, before taking a direct shot at the selectors. “He who has the stick, owns the buffalo. May God keep everyone’s ego satisfied. Simply playing Harshit Rana in Team India won’t suffice. This is the nation’s team, not the home team.
His comments reflect a growing sentiment that the current selection policies lack clarity and balance, especially in the Test setup.
Shukla calls out India’s batting approach
India’s batting collapse in Guwahati didn’t surprise Shukla. According to him, the team’s composition made the downfall almost inevitable.
He pointed out that India was fielding too many all-rounders and not enough specialist batters. “This playing XI is destined for collapse. This isn’t a home team that can be played at will,” he said.
His criticism comes at a time when India has been struggling to find stability in the middle order and consistency at the top.
Is Mohammed Shami Being Ignored?
One of the biggest talking points Shukla addressed was the continued exclusion of Mohammed Shami. Despite being in excellent form domestically, Shami hasn’t been given a chance in either the Test or ODI series.
Shukla made it clear that Shami isn’t disheartened by the snubs but he does feel something isn’t right. “Shami never gets frustrated. He knows this team belongs to the country, not anyone’s home. His job is to perform, and he’s doing that wonderfully. But yes, he’s being deliberately denied opportunities.”
This is a strong accusation, especially considering that Shami has taken 20 wickets in just 4 Ranji matches this season, showing match-ready form.
Responding to Agarkar’s Fitness Claim
Earlier, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that Shami wasn’t fit before the England tour, which led to his exclusion. Shukla dismissed that claim outright.
According to him, Shami was “completely fit,” and his performances in domestic cricket were proof. If true, this raises significant questions about transparency in communication between selectors, players, and team management.
Laxmi Ratan Shukla: A Look Back at His Career
Though Shukla’s international career was brief, just three ODIs between March and September 1999, his domestic record is exceptional. In 137 First-Class Matches, he amassed 6217 runs at an average of 35.93 with 172 wickets. 141 List A Matches, he scored 2997 runs and taken 143 wickets and In 81 T20s, he scored 994 runs with 47 wickets under his pockets.
He remains one of Bengal’s most respected cricketers and someone whose words hold weight, especially when it comes to evaluating talent like Shami.
Shukla’s explosive remarks highlight a wider frustration with India’s recent selection strategy. With back-to-back disappointing performances against South Africa, these concerns can no longer be ignored. Whether or not Gambhir and Agarkar respond, it’s clear Indian cricket is in a phase where accountability, transparency, and smarter selection choices are urgently needed.