Delhi: Team India’s star fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been out of the national team for a long time. He played his last match for India during the Champions Trophy in March 2025. After this he was not included in the team for the ODI and T20 series against Australia. After being continuously dropped, Shami has now given a big statement indirectly targeting chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

“If there was fitness problem, I would not have played Ranji” – Shami

Shami expressed his displeasure during the press conference before Bengal’s first Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens. He said, “I have said earlier also that the selection is not in my hands. If there was any problem in my fitness, I would not have been playing here for Bengal.”

When asked about not getting a place in the team for the Australia series, Shami said, “I don’t think there is a need to create controversy by talking about it. If I can play four-day matches, I can play 50-over cricket as well.”

“It is not my job to give fitness updates” – Shami

Shami clearly said that it is not his responsibility to inform the selectors about his fitness. In fact, at the time of team selection, Ajit Agarkar had said that the selection committee did not have any update regarding Shami’s fitness. Responding to this, Shami said, “It is not my responsibility to give or ask for updates. My job is to go to the NCA (Center of Excellence) to prepare and play the matches. It is not my responsibility who gives them updates or not.”

Still give importance to domestic cricket

Shami further said that he still gives great importance to domestic cricket, because it is the real test of any player. He said, “I am ready to play for India whenever the selectors want. Performing in domestic cricket has always been a priority for me.”

Shami’s career record

Mohammed Shami has so far played 64 Tests, 108 ODIs and 25 T20 International matches for India. This experienced fast bowler of Team India has made important contribution with his bowling in every format and he is still ready to make a comeback.