Senior India pacer Mohammed Shami has expressed his frustration over being excluded from India’s white-ball tour of Australia, saying that his participation in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener proves his fitness. The 35-year-old fast bowler, who last played for India during the Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year, took a sharp dig at the national selectors, making it clear that it’s not his job to keep them updated about his fitness status.
“I have said this before… selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal,” Shami told reporters on the eve of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Uttarakhand at the Eden Gardens.
He added pointedly, “If I can play four-dayers (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-overs cricket.”
‘Not My Job to Update on Fitness,’ Says Shami
Shami’s remarks come after chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said during the squad announcement for the Australia tour that he had no update on Shami’s fitness. Responding to that, Shami said that fitness communication is not his responsibility.
“About giving an update, it’s not my responsibility to give an update or ask for an update. It’s not my job to give updates on my fitness,” Shami said bluntly.
“My job is to go to the NCA (National Cricket Academy), prepare and play matches. Woh unki baat hai unko kaun update deta hai, kisne nahin diya (That’s their matter—who gives them updates or not). It’s not my responsibility,” he added.
From Surgery to Comeback: Shami’s Fitness Journey
The veteran pacer underwent Achilles tendon surgery following the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was India’s leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets in seven matches, helping the team reach the final.
He was later ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to knee soreness but made a stellar return during India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign in March 2025, emerging as one of the top performers with the ball.
This season, Shami made another successful domestic return by playing for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, following a structured rehab and recovery program at the NCA.
‘Selection Not in My Hands; I’ll Keep Playing for Bengal’
Despite being sidelined from the limited-overs squad, Shami maintained a calm and pragmatic stance.
“I always say that you should select the best for your country. It’s a matter of the country. The country should win. We should all be happy. That’s what I always say,” he said.
“Keep fighting, keep playing games. If you perform well, it will benefit you as well. Selection is not in my hands. I can only prepare and play matches. I have no objection… If you don’t select me, I will come here and play for Bengal. I have no issue with it,” he added.
The pacer, who has represented India in 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is, also highlighted that inconsistency is part of the game and that he prefers not to play when injured.
“I also don’t want to play in pain or make the team suffer. I wanted to come back after the operation and make a strong comeback. I am trying to do the same. I am ready to go whenever they (selectors) want me to go,” he said.
‘Ranji Trophy Is Still the Real Test’
Emphasizing the value of domestic cricket, Shami said he still considers Ranji Trophy as the ultimate test for any player.
“In the old days, Ranji Trophy was a big level for anyone. But today, we have platforms, and you think it’s an ‘insult’ to go back and play first-class cricket like Ranji Trophy. I don’t think so. You should play four-day cricket,” he said.
“If there is a condition that you would be in the team if you perform in Ranji Trophy, then there is nothing wrong in that. No doubt, you should perform,” he added.
Background: The Selection Controversy
Shami’s omission from India’s squad for the Australia white-ball series starting October 19 raised eyebrows in the cricketing fraternity. Despite his fitness and form, the selectors reportedly had concerns due to a lack of recent medical updates from the NCA.
His latest remarks appear to push back against that narrative, asserting that his readiness is evident from his domestic performances and participation in competitive first-class matches.