The war of words between veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar escalated again ahead of the ODI series against Australia. Shami, who was omitted from the squad, dismissed Agarkar’s fitness concerns while playing for Bengal against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy.
The 35-year-old pacer’s omission from the ODI squad for the Australia series came as a surprise, especially after his role in India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign. Notably, the selectors’ decision to back younger bowlers over the experienced pacer has sparked a verbal spat between Shami and Agarkar.
Mohammed Shami is representing Bengal in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy opener against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens. He took 3 wickets for 37 runs in 14.5 overs as Uttarakhand were bowled out for 213 in the first innings. Shami bowled 15 overs on Day 3 in the second innings but did not pick up any wickets.
After the day’s play in Kolkata, Shami responded to questions about Ajit Agarkar’s remarks on his fitness. Speaking to reporters, Shami dismissed the concerns, saying, “Let him say whatever he wants.”
“Let him say whatever he wants. You’ve seen how I bowled. It’s all in front of your eyes," Shami told reporters (via Hindustan Times).
Before the Ranji Trophy opener, Shami represented East Zone in the 2025 Duleep Trophy clash against North Zone. He took 1 wicket for 100 runs in the first innings and went wicketless, conceding 36 runs, in the second innings.
If Shami Were Here, I Would Give Him an Answer - Ajit Agarkar
Earlier in Delhi, Ajit Agarkar spoke about Mohammed Shami’s omission from the squad. The chief selector stated that if Shami had been fit, he would have been considered for selection. Agarkar revealed that the pacer was not fully fit.
“If Shami were here, I would give him an answer. If he is fit, why wouldn’t we have a bowler like Shami?”
“I have had multiple chats with him. Over the last six to eight months, what we have found out is that he wasn’t fit. If he stays fit over the next few months, the story might be different, but he wasn’t fit to be picked for the England tour,” Agarkar had explained.
Shami is working hard to regain his peak form after multiple knee injuries, but India may have decided to move on from him. The pacer felt he was not being told the truth for his omission from the upcoming Australia series, set to begin on Sunday in Perth.
How Has Mohammed Shami Performed Since His Comeback from Injury?
Mohammed Shami’s career has been a mix of comebacks and challenges since his surgery following the 2023 ODI World Cup. The veteran pacer spent nearly a year on the sidelines before returning to action during India’s white-ball home series against England.
The 35-year-old has played two T20Is and seven ODIs since his comeback, taking 14 wickets at an average of 27.64 with an economy rate of 6.20. He later featured in the Champions Trophy campaign in the UAE as the team’s sole specialist seamer in the playing XI.
However, Shami’s form dipped during the IPL 2025 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he claimed only six wickets in nine matches at an economy of 11.23 and an average above 56. His struggles with rhythm and consistency reportedly raised concerns among selectors ahead of the England tour.
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