Indian pacer Mohammed Shami said a communication gap has emerged regarding his fitness after he was left out of the white-ball squads for India's upcoming tour of Australia.
“I am not the one who should inform them about my fitness – they should ask me. If I can play four-day cricket, why can't I play a 50-over game? If I was not fit, I would be in the NCA and not playing here in the Ranji Trophy,” Shami said.
The 33-year-old, who has played 64 Tests, 108 ODIs and 25 T20Is, last played for India in their triumphant Champions Trophy campaign early this year after recovering from an ankle injury.
Shami then played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League before featuring in the Duleep Trophy in August.
Recently, the right arm announced through his YouTube channel that he is ready for national duty. “Whether I am selected or not is not in my hands. The decision about the selection is made by the selection committee, the captain and the coach. If they want to select or give more time, that is in their hands. But I am ready.”
Shami's statements follow chief selector Ajit Agarkar's comments on his lack of match practice while rationalizing Shami's non-selection for the Australia series.
“I don't have any update. I don't think he has played much cricket in the last 2-3 years. I think he has played one match for Bengal and one for Duleep Trophy. So as an artiste, we know what he can do but he will have to play some cricket,” Agarkar said.
Published on October 14, 2025
