Mohammed Shami Left Out Again, Harbhajan Singh Slams Selectors, Targets Ajit Agarkar

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has openly criticized India’s selection committee, questioning why experienced pacer Mohammed Shami continues to be overlooked. Harbhajan made the remarks following India’s collapse in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, where the inexperienced pace attack of Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna failed to defend 358 runs, allowing the Proteas to chase 359 and level the three-match series.

Shami, who last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, has consistently impressed in domestic cricket, including a recent four-wicket haul for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, yet remains out of the national setup. The pacer publicly challenged the selectors’ claims of fitness concerns, noting his participation in Ranji Trophy matches proves he is match-ready.

Harbhajan said the team management has been sidelining talented bowlers, which threatens India’s chances of consistent wins.

“Where is Shami? I don’t know why Shami is not playing. I get it, you have Prasidh, he is a good bowler, but he still has a lot to learn. You had good bowlers, and you have slowly sidelined them… We have to learn the art of winning games without Jasprit Bumrah,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.

He added:

“In England, without Bumrah, Siraj was unbelievable, fantastic. India won all the Tests where Bumrah did not feature. But in shorter formats, we need to find people who can win you games, whether it be fast bowling or spin… There is Kuldeep, but what about the rest?”

South Africa Level Series

South Africa’s four-wicket win with four balls remaining in the second ODI means the three-match series is now tied 1-1, with the decider scheduled for Saturday in Vizag.

India had posted 358/5, thanks to centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, with KL Rahul contributing a half-century. However, Aiden Markram scored a century, supported by fifties from Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke, to take the match and level the series.