PACER Mohammad Shami has sent a reminder to the selectors about abilities after a fantastic outing in the Ranji Trophy helping his team to victory in the first round. While the other pacers with whom he formed a potent bowling attack for the Indian team are in Australia engaged in a One-Day International series, Shami has used the domestic cricket platform to make a statement of intent. His availability was doubted by many players and also selectors but now with the sterling showing for Bengal, Shami has responded to all the doubts around his fitness and form quite emphatically. The exclusion of Shami from the Australia-bound team was questioned by many cricket pundits and former players. The bowler also took a sly dig at chief selector Ajit Agarkar after the snub saying if fitness was the issue he should not be playing for Bengal. Shami’s logic is right, if he could play a four-day (Ranji Trophy) match, his appearance in 50-over cricket should be an automatic choice.

 

The cricketer also hinted at lack of communication between the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as a reason behind his exclusion. This episode has yet again left a sour taste in mouth for another known cricketer. Communication has remained an issue in BCCI matters. Whether it is about players’ fitness or their availability, the Board officials always choose to keep it as a top secret. While other cricket boards and team managements have moved ahead to keep things crystal clear, the BCCI’s penchant to keep announcements under wraps is perplexing. The Shami issue could also have been handled well and India would have stepped on the Australian shores with a full-strength fast bowling unit.

 

This episode apart, the start of the domestic season has marked a new beginning for many such players who are dreaming of donning the India colours in the future. The presence of Shami and other seniors in the Ranji Trophy will act as an added inspiration for such youngsters as they get to rub shoulders with the best. Presence of international stars in domestic cricket always has this effect on the budding crop of players. The BCCI deserves a pat on the back for this initiative of making national stars not on Team India duty to play for their States in domestic games. Ever since the BCCI has taken up this glaring matter seriously and issued a diktat for senior players not on national duty to appear for their home teams, there has been a palpable change in the domestic mood. State teams have been waiting for such opportunities to enhance their chances of advancing in the tournament with the help of top stars. Their experience not only comes handy in preparing the next line of leadership but also is utilised for long-term planning. Shami’s good showing will serve as such inspiration for Bengal and also the opposition teams.