“Doesn’t Have Clarity”: R Ashwin On Mohammed Shami-Ajit Agarkar Row

Ravichandran Ashwin commented on the Mohammed Shami-Agarkar controversy, highlighting issues with indirect communication in Indian cricket.

Ace India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has spoken out on the ongoing rift between Mohammed Shami and Ajit Agarkar, saying that everything in Indian cricket “runs on indirect speech,” a practice he believes should change. Ashwin added that Shami’s outburst reflects his lack of clarity over his non-selection, although he praised Agarkar for handling the situation smoothly.

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During a press conference on team selection, Agarkar admitted he was unaware of Shami’s current fitness after the pacer was left out of the Test squad for the England tour. The tension escalated after Agarkar questioned Shami’s fitness and form, stating he plans to hold discussions soon to clear the air.

“I will say one thing frankly, everything in Indian cricket runs on indirect speech. I really wish that it would change. It has to change from both the players’ side and the selectors’ side as well,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“What I have noticed is that if something indirect is said, it is bound to come out in the news. Look what Shami did. He performed and then talked in the press conference; there is nothing wrong with that,” Ashwin added.

“But why is he (Shami) talking all of this? Because he doesn’t have clarity. But, at the same time, I really loved how Ajit Agarkar handled it. I really hope that phone call has happened,” Ashwin continued.

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Shami last played for India during the Champions Trophy earlier this year, serving as the team’s lone frontline pacer. Recently, he registered figures of 3/37 and 4/38 across two innings to lead Bengal to an eight-wicket win over Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy.

The out-of-favour pacer exploited morning conditions on the final day to take 4/38 in less than 25 overs, while Akash Deep and Ishan Porel picked up two wickets each as Uttarakhand were dismissed for 265.