Mohammad Shami has finally spoken up after being left out of India's squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. The veteran pacer, who has been out of the national setup across formats for several months, said he is fit and ready to play whenever called upon.
However, he made it clear that selection is not something he can control. Shami last represented India during the Champions Trophy earlier this year and has since focused on domestic cricket to maintain form and fitness.
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Mohammad Shami reacts to India squad snub, gives fitness update
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Shami addressed his exclusion with calm clarity, stressing that the decision lies entirely with the selectors, captain, and coach.
"Whether I get selected or not is not in my hands. The decision of selection is taken by the selection committee, the captain and the coach. But I am ready. My practice is going well, my fitness is going well," he said.
The pacer shared that he has maintained his workload and match readiness through domestic cricket.
"I recently played a Duleep Trophy match and bowled around 35 overs. So, no fitness issue - I'm ready to play, but selection is not my call," he added.
The 35-year-old added that staying motivated during long breaks from international cricket requires discipline and hard work, something he has been consciously focusing on.
Shami's omission was not unexpected. The Bengal pacer has not been part of India's long-term plans in any format since the Champions Trophy, where he took 10 wickets in five matches, including a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh.
He will return to action in domestic cricket after being named in Bengal's squad for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. Abhimanyu Easwaran will lead the side, with Abishek Porel as vice-captain.
For Shami, the focus now shifts to performing consistently in the domestic circuit: a step that could pave the way for a possible India comeback later in the season.
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