{
  "id": 5963686,
  "title": "‘Shouldn’t have closed door on Mohammed Shami’: Ex-India coach questions Ajit Agarkar-led selectors",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/shouldnt-have-closed-door-on-mohammed-shami-ex-india-coach-questions",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T11:31:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/shouldn-t-closed-door-mohammed-113100159.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has criticized the current selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, for their treatment of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. Arun believes that Shami still has significant potential and should not have been excluded from the national team. Since March 2025, Shami has not played for India despite putting in strong performances in domestic cricket. Shami's absence has been more noticeable when Jasprit Bumrah has been unavailable, with the Indian management opting to include younger pace options instead. Last year, there was a public disagreement between Shami and Agarkar after the selectors left Shami out of the Test squad for the West Indies series. Shami responded by stating that he would not have been playing Ranji Trophy cricket for Bengal if he were unfit. Arun argues that age should not be a factor in Shami's selection, citing his impressive first-class record of 100 matches and his performance in the red ball. The current Duleep Trophy final provides Shami with another chance to make a case for his return to the national team. East Zone captain Ishan Kishan has noticed Shami's increased intensity and desire to make a comeback, praising his effort in domestic cricket.",
  "summary": "Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun questions Mohammed Shami's current exclusion from the national team. He believes the veteran pacer still possesses significant talent and durability for cricket. Shami has not played for India since the March 2025 Champions Trophy tournament. East Zone captain Ishan Kishan also notes Shami's strong motivation for a comeback. The pacer recently played his…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "‘Remarkable’: Ganguly’s special message for Shami ahead of 100th first-class game",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/remarkable-gangulys-special-message-for-shami-ahead-of-100th-first",
        "published": "2026-09-05T15:28:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "‘Remarkable achievement’: Sourav Ganguly’s special message for Mohammed Shami ahead of 100th first-class game",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/remarkable-achievement-sourav-gangulys-special-message-for-mohammed",
        "published": "2026-09-05T20:58:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}