'If I can play Ranji, why can't I play ODIs?' - Mohammed Shami slams chief selector Ajit Agarkar over fitness comments

Published - 14 Oct 2025, 21:31 IST | Updated - 14 Oct 2025, 21:45 IST

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has taken a dig at chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s comments regarding his fitness, stating that he is fully fit and ready to play for India. The 35-year-old, who has been left out of the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming Australia tour, questioned the selectors’ communication process while stressing that his participation in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener is proof enough of his fitness.

Following the announcement of India’s limited-overs squads for the Australia tour, Agarkar had revealed that there was no fresh update on Shami’s fitness. He mentioned that the pacer hadn’t played much competitive cricket over the past couple of years, apart from brief appearances in the Duleep Trophy and domestic games. However, Shami has been working his way back through domestic cricket after recovering from an Achilles tendon surgery.

The Indian fast bowler, who last represented India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, has been named in Bengal’s squad for the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season starting October 15. While Agarkar maintained that selectors were waiting for clarity from the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Shami made it clear that he believes he’s been unfairly sidelined. Speaking at Eden Gardens ahead of Bengal’s Ranji opener against Uttarakhand, Shami directly addressed the issue, saying the communication gap was not from his end.

“I have said this before. Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn't be here playing for Bengal. I think I do not need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-overs cricket. About giving an update, it's not my responsibility to give an update or ask for an update. It's not my job to give updates on my fitness. My job is to go to the NCA, prepare and play matches. That's their matter who gives them updates or not. It's not my responsibility,” Shami told the reporters.

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The pacer further mentioned that if he is not selected, he will continue playing for Bengal and keep fighting for his spot in the national team.

“Keep fighting, keep playing games. If you perform well, it will benefit you as well. Selection is not in my hands. I can only prepare and play matches. I've no objection. If you don't select me, then I will come here and play for Bengal. I've no issue with it,” Shami added.