‘I can play too’: Mohammed Shami hits back at chief selector Ajit Agarkar after Australian ODI snub | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: India veteran Mohammed Shami on Tuesday joined Bengal’s training session at Eden Gardens ahead of the Ranji Trophy opener against Uttarakhand, addressing his exclusion from India’s upcoming white-ball series in Australia. The 35-year-old pacer, who was the leading wicket-taker at the ICC World Cup 2023, dismissed fitness concerns while noting that the decision ultimately lies with the selectors.Shami’s last outing for India was during the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai in February-March, where India emerged victorious. He shared the tournament’s highest honor with Varun Chakravarthy, taking nine wickets each.“I have said it before… Selection is not in my hands. If there is any fitness issue, I should not be here to play for Bengal,” Shami told the media.“I think I don’t need to talk about this and create controversy. If I can play four-day (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-overs cricket,” he added about his omission from the Australia tour.“As far as updates are concerned, it is not my responsibility to take stock or ask for an update. It is not my job to give updates on my fitness. My job is to go to the NCA (Centre of Excellence), prepare and play matches. Woh unki baat hai unko kaun update deta hai, kisne nahin diya. It is not my responsibility,” he said, making reference to role of the Center of Excellence in the issuance of physical fitness certificates.His remarks follow chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar’s comment on the lack of updates on Shami’s fitness after the Australian squad was announced.An Indian team of 15 members, including Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohlimet in Delhi ahead of the tour, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is, with Shubman Gill as captain. Kohli, now a resident of London, returned to India to join the team.Shami, who has 229 Test wickets and 206 ODI wickets, has not played Test cricket since the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s. Although his absence was noticed during India’s struggling 2024-25 tour of Australia, he has faced difficulties in maintaining a regular place in all formats since returning from a long injury absence.
