- By Namrata Vijay
- Tue, 19 May 2026 11:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs AFG: Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors for the BCCI, disclosed that the panel had abandoned discussions of Mohammed Shami’s Test cricket comeback and stressed that the star fast bowler is geared up solely for the shortest format, despite featuring in an entire domestic tournament.
Agarkar made these remarks as the BCCI announced India’s Test and ODI teams for the upcoming Afghanistan series. Shami missed selection for both squads.
" No discussion on Shami's Test return. As far as we have been told, his body is allowing him to play. I know he has played a domestic season this year. But from the information I have got, it's T20 cricket that he's sort of ready for. So there was no discussion regarding him," Ajit Agarkar told reporters during the press conference.
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The veteran pacer has not donned India’s colors for the past year, even after excelling in domestic tournaments for Bengal, where he grabbed 67 wickets.
He last wore India’s jersey during the ICC 2025 Champions Trophy summit clash against New Zealand.
He last battled in the longest format for India against the Pat Cummins-led side during the 2023 WTC summit clash. In the shortest format, he last competed against England last year.
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During the Ranji Trophy semifinal earlier this year, he took brilliant figures of 9/114 against Jammu and Kashmir, but his efforts went in vain as Bengal lost the match.
In IPL 2026, he got off to a flying start but struggled to maintain consistency. He has claimed 10 wickets in 12 matches so far.
Meanwhile, anticipation rises as Shubman Gill takes charge of India's Test team against Afghanistan. The reshuffle of vice-captaincy and the dropping of a star all-rounder signal a new chapter. For the debutants, their maiden call-up is not just an opportunity, but a dream realized.
India's Test squad: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel.