A fresh debate has started in Indian cricket after Ajit Agarkar, the BCCI chief selector, reacted to Mohammed Shami’s remarks about being ignored for the England tour.
The senior pacer, who last played in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 win, had earlier hinted that he was fit and ready but wasn’t informed properly about his non-selection. Agarkar has now cleared the air.
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What did Ajit Agarkar say about Mohammed Shami’s non-selection?
Agarkar, speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, explained that the selectors’ decision was based purely on Shami’s match readiness.
He mentioned that Shami has been one of India’s top bowlers over the years, but recent injury issues made it hard for him to get back to full rhythm.
"If he says that to me, I will probably answer that. I mean if he was here, I would probably do that. I am not quite sure what he said on social media. Maybe if I read that, I might give him a call. I have had multiple chats with him over the last few months, but I don't want to try and give you a headline here," said Agarkar.
"He has been an incredible performer for India. Even before England, we said if he was fit, he would have been on that plane. Unfortunately, he wasn't," he added.
Agarkar also pointed out that with India’s domestic season beginning, the selectors will closely watch how Shami performs and whether he regains his full fitness in the coming matches.
More: What did Virat Kohli say about playing the 2027 World Cup
"Our domestic season has just started so we will see if he is fit enough and we will see where it goes. This is the first round of Ranji games that is going on. We will find out in a couple of more games. If he is bowling well, why would you not want to have someone like a Shami," said Agarkar.
Agarkar said that selections will continue to depend on form, fitness and match readiness.
"But what we have found in the last six-eight months to a year, even during the Australia tour, we were desperate to have him on, but unfortunately his fitness wasn't there. If he does stay fit over the next few months, the story might be different. But at this point, as far as I know, he wasn't fit enough for that England tour," he added.
What was Mohammed Shami’s take on the situation?
Shami recently expressed his disappointment over the lack of communication regarding his fitness status.
He said that by playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, he had already proven his readiness, and it was not his job to update the selectors.
The experienced fast bowler has been struggling with ankle and knee issues since the 2023 World Cup. These injuries required surgery and have delayed his return to the international setup.
What lies ahead for Shami and Team India?
India are gearing up for a white-ball series against Australia, starting October 19, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is.
The series will mark the return of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who haven’t played since the Champions Trophy final in March.
For now, all eyes will be on Shami’s recovery and his performances in domestic cricket, as India look to build momentum for the 2027 World Cup.
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