Former India player Manoj Tiwary criticized the BCCI selectors for not communicating properly with Mohammed Shami about why he was dropped from the Indian team. Tiwary said this is unfair because Shami has been performing well for Bengal in domestic cricket.
Shami was India’s top bowler in the 2023 ODI World Cup, but he later missed many matches because of injuries. He returned for the Champions Trophy, which India won, but after that, he again struggled to make the playing XI, especially in Test cricket.
Tiwary told India Today that there is a serious communication problem. He said, “There seems to be a lack of trust and understanding within the team circle.” He added that Shami has “taken wickets consistently for Bengal” but still was not selected for the Tests or the ODIs in Australia.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar earlier said they had no clear update on Shami’s fitness. Agarkar said, “I have no update… He hasn’t played a lot of cricket in the last two to three years.”
Tiwary strongly disagreed. He said the selectors should not depend only on guesses. According to him, it is the job of trainers, physios, and team management to give fitness updates. He said, “Selectors said there was no fitness update. But whose job is that? At least pick up the phone and ask the player.” He also said, “He is a senior player… you can at least call him.”
Tiwary believes that a player of Shami’s level deserves direct and clear communication.
Shami is now playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, but his international future is still uncertain. Tiwary’s comments have reopened the debate about poor communication between Indian selectors and players.
Manoj Tiwary Blames Gautam Gambhir and Rejects India’s “Transition Phase” After Test Defeat
Manoj Tiwary strongly criticized Gautam Gambhir after India’s poor loss in the first Test against South Africa and rejected the idea that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli left Test cricket because of a natural transition. He said the transition talk is “unnecessary” and has only damaged the team.
After Rohit and Kohli stepped away from Tests, India entered what the management called a transition phase. But India’s defeat in the Kolkata Test, despite being in control early, created confusion and pressure around the team. Tiwary said the entire situation was mishandled.
Tiwary said he does not accept the transition narrative at all. He said, “This whole ‘transition phase’ talk, I don’t agree with it. India doesn’t need a transition. New Zealand or Zimbabwe needs transition.” He argued that India has enough domestic talent and does not need to push senior players out.
Tiwary also responded strongly to Gambhir’s comments after the Test defeat. He said, “You cannot blame players’ technique after losing. As a coach, your job is to teach, not to blame.” He added that if the batters lacked defensive skills, they should have been trained earlier. He said, “When he played, Gambhir himself was a good player of spin, so he should teach more. The results aren’t in India’s favor.”
India trails 0–1 in the series after the 30-run loss at Eden Gardens.
FAQs
Q. Why did Manoj Tiwary criticize the selectors about Mohammed Shami?
A. Tiwary said the selectors failed to communicate properly with Shami about why he was dropped, even though he has been taking wickets for Bengal.
Q. Why did Manoj Tiwary criticize Gautam Gambhir after the Test defeat?
A. Manoj Tiwary said a coach should teach players instead of blaming them for technique issues after a loss.
Q. What did Manoj Tiwary say about Rohit Sharma’s ODI captaincy removal?
A. Manoj Tiwary called it disrespectful and said Rohit was “humiliated” despite winning two ICC trophies and five IPL titles.
Q. What is Mohammed Shami doing now?
A. Mohammed Shami is playing domestic cricket for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, while his future with India remains unclear.
Get the Latest Cricket Updates at IceCric.News. Also, Follow Our Social Media for live updates on Facebook and Instagram.
