Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has strongly criticised the national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, for repeatedly overlooking senior pacer Mohammed Shami in the ODI setup. His remarks came after India’s inexperienced bowling attack struggled in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, where the hosts failed to defend 359 runs. With Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna unable to trouble the Proteas’ batters, questions over Shami’s exclusion resurfaced once again.
Shami last represented India during the 2025 Champions Trophy earlier this year, and has consistently been left out since then. Multiple explanations have emerged regarding his absence. Agarkar had earlier claimed that the seasoned fast bowler was not fully fit and needed more game time. However, Shami publicly refuted these claims, asserting that he is completely fit and that his recent domestic performances—including a four-wicket haul for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy—demonstrate his match readiness.
According to Harbhajan, the team management is pushing capable bowlers to the sidelines, which could affect India’s long-term chances across formats. He stressed that India must develop the ability to win matches without relying solely on Jasprit Bumrah. The former spinner recalled how Mohammed Siraj stepped up admirably during away Tests in England when Bumrah was unavailable, but added that India still needs wicket-taking bowlers in the white-ball formats, both in pace and spin departments.
Meanwhile, South Africa levelled the ongoing three-match ODI series with a four-wicket win in the second game. Chasing India’s strong total of 358/5—powered by centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad and a composed half-century from stand-in captain KL Rahul—the Proteas were guided home by Aiden Markram’s brilliant century, supported by Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke. The series decider is scheduled to take place in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.