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‘I Can Still Play’ – Mohammed Shami Reacts to ODI Snub, Responds to Ajit Agarkar

by K D Mishra

[ Poll: 7L6BmzL6 ]

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami on Tuesday slammed the national selectors for excluding him from the limited-overs tour of Australia, saying his availability for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy proves his fitness and that it's not their job to update the selection committee on this matter.

Shami last represented India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and was the country's top wicket-taker along with Varun Chakravarthy. Shami has been battling recurring ankle and knee injuries, for which he underwent surgery after the 2023 World Cup.

The 35-year-old Shami has not been part of the Indian Test team for quite some time. He last played for India in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023. "I have said it before that selection is not in my hands," Shami told reporters on the eve of Bengal's first Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens.

If there was a fitness issue, I wouldn't be playing here for Bengal." When asked about his omission from India's limited-overs squad for the Australia tour starting October 19, he said, "I think I don't need to create controversy by talking about it. If I can play four-day cricket (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-over cricket." "It's not my responsibility to ask for updates."

Shami said it was not his job to provide information about his fitness to the selectors. After the announcement of the team for Australia, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar had said he had no information about Shami's fitness. He said, "As for giving updates, it's not my responsibility to provide updates or ask for updates.

It's not my job to provide updates about my fitness." Shami said, "My job is to go to the NCA (Centre of Excellence - CoE), prepare, and play matches. That's their business, who gives them updates or who doesn't." It's not my responsibility." He said this, citing the established rules under which the COE issues fitness certificates.

With the Indian team undergoing a transition, Shami is optimistic but pragmatic. He said, "I always say you should select the best for your country. It's a matter for the country. The country should win. We should all be happy. I always say that." He added, "Keep fighting the challenges, keep playing. If you perform well, you will also benefit. Selection is not in my hands. I can only prepare and play matches.

I have no objection. If you don't select me, I will come here and play for Bengal. I have no problem with that." Shami said that in a game like cricket, a player cannot always perform consistently. He said, "I don't want to play in pain or cause trouble to the team. I wanted to come back after the operation. That's what I'm trying to do." "Shami is fitter than last year."

The experienced fast bowler, who has represented India in 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20 Internationals, said, "I'm ready to play whenever they (the selectors) want." Shami said he still values ​​domestic cricket because it's the true test of any cricketer. Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla also praised Shami's return to fitness.

He said, "After returning from surgery last year, he was limping a bit. But now he's completely fit and running, there's no problem. We've been discussing this among the support staff as well. Shami is completely fit and fitter than last year. He's 100 percent fit."

ALSO SEE: Gautam Gambhir on Rohit & Kohli Future: Focus on Present, 50-Over World Cup 2.5 Years Away

Tagged：

Ajit Agarkar Bengal Team India Tour of Australia Mohammed Shami Ranji Trophy