Chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s remarks about his fitness have been parodied by veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, who claims that he is healthy and prepared to play for India. Despite being excluded from the ODI and T20I squads for the forthcoming Australia trip, the 35-year-old questioned the selection process and emphasised that his involvement in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opening is sufficient evidence of his fitness.
No new information regarding Shami’s fitness was disclosed by Agarkar after the limited-overs teams for India’s tour of Australia were announced. Along with a few cameos in domestic matches and the Duleep Trophy, he said the pacer hadn’t played much competitive cricket in the previous two years. Shami, however, has been readjusting to domestic cricket following surgery to repair his Achilles tendon.
The Indian fast bowler, who last played for India against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, has been added to Bengal’s roster for the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, which begins on October 15. Agarkar insisted that selectors were awaiting National Cricket Academy (NCA) clarification, while Shami made it apparent that he feels he has been unjustly excluded. Shami addressed the matter head-on at Eden Gardens prior to Bengal’s Ranji opener against Uttarakhand, claiming that the communication breakdown was not his fault.
“I have previously stated this. I don’t have the power to choose. I should not be here representing Bengal if I have a fitness problem. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to discuss this and start a debate. Playing 50-over cricket is something I can do if I can play four-dayers (Ranji Trophy). I am not responsible for providing an update or for requesting one. Providing fitness updates is not my responsibility. It’s my responsibility to travel to the NCA, get ready, and compete. It is up to them whether or not they receive updates. I don’t have any responsibility for it,” Shami informed the media.
Continue to battle and play games: Shami.
The bowler went on to say that he will keep playing for Bengal and hoping to make the national team if he is not chosen.
“Continue fighting and playing games. It will also be advantageous to you if you do well. I don’t have the power to choose. All I am able to do is practise and compete. I have nothing against it. If you don’t choose me, I’ll come play for Bengal here. It doesn’t bother me,” Shami continued.
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