Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has taken a subtle yet sharp dig at the Indian team management after being left out of India’s ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming Australia tour.
Mohammed Shami was quick to clear the air about his fitness, insisting that he is match-ready despite missing out on the limited-overs teams. He pointed out that the communication gap was on the management’s side, not his. “If I am fit enough to play four-day Ranji Trophy matches, I am equally capable of handling the demands of 50-over cricket,” he said.
Mohammed Shami Focuses on Domestic Cricket
The pacer, who didn’t make the white-ball squad for Australia, has been named in Bengal’s squad for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, starting October 15. The team will be led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, as confirmed by the Cricket Association of Bengal on Wednesday.
Mohammed Shami explained his side of the story: “The Indian team didn’t communicate with me regarding fitness. I am not the one who would inform them about my fitness – they have to ask me. If I can play four-day cricket, then why can’t I play a 50-over game? If I wasn’t fit, I’d be at the NCA and not playing here in the Ranji Trophy.”
Selector Ajit Agarkar Offers a Different View
Mohammed Shami’s comments contrast with those of chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who cited different reasons for his omission. Agarkar said there had been no new updates on Shami and pointed to his limited game time in recent seasons.
“I have no update. He has played in the Duleep trophy. But in the last two-three years, he hasn’t played a lot of cricket. I think he played one game for Bengal and one in the Duleep trophy. As a performer, we know what he can do, but he has to play cricket,” Agarkar said.
Mohammed Shami’s Recent Performances
Mohammed Shami last represented India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand. Despite starting the tournament strongly with a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh, he went wicketless in two matches before bouncing back with a three-wicket performance against Australia in the semifinal and a wicket in the final.
A Strong Message for the Future
While a return to the national team may not be immediate, Shami’s words make it clear that he’s not done yet. With a busy domestic season ahead and an important Test series against England in early 2026, his fitness and form in the coming months could play a key role in determining when the selectors call him back.
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