Communication gap exposed in Indian cricket

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced concerns over the communication gap between players and selectors in Indian cricket, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and direct dialogue. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin noted that indirect communication often leads to confusion and unnecessary media headlines, pointing to Mohammed Shami’s recent comments as a prime example.

Before Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand, Shami had expressed frustration about being left out of the ODI series against Australia, remarking that if he was fit enough to play in the Ranji Trophy, he should have been considered for the 50-over format as well.

Responding to the situation, chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that Shami’s omission from the England tour was due to fitness concerns, not form. Agarkar said he had multiple discussions with Shami and made it clear that the pacer would have been an automatic selection if he were fully fit.

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Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year, said such misunderstandings often arise because of how communication traditionally works within Indian cricket circles.

“To be honest, everything in Indian cricket happens through indirect speech. I really hope that changes — and it has to come from both sides, the players and the selectors,” Ashwin said. “When things are said indirectly, they inevitably end up in the news.”

Reflecting on Shami’s remarks, Ashwin suggested that the bowler’s outburst was a result of lack of clarity, while also applauding Agarkar for his professional approach to resolving the issue.

“Look at what Shami did — he performed and then spoke to the media. There’s nothing wrong with that. But why did he feel the need to say all this? Because he didn’t have clarity. I really appreciate how Ajit Agarkar handled the matter. I just hope that phone call actually happened,” Ashwin added.

Meanwhile, Shami underlined his form with a brilliant four-wicket haul, helping Bengal secure an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Uttarakhand in their Ranji Trophy Group C encounter.