Star Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has dismissed rumors surrounding his fitness and claimed he is match-fit despite being dropped from India’s ODI or T20 squad for the upcoming tour of Australia.
Mohammed Shami last performed for India in the 50-over format in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The experienced fast bowler is the leading wicket-taker for India in the history of ICC tournaments as well as in the 50-over ODI World Cup.
He was also India’s best bowler in the last two ICC 50-over events. Shami played in the 2023 ICC World Cup and was the joint-highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets, and then returned to play for India 1 year later and was again the joint-highest wicket-taker for India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Shami claimed, “Whether I will be selected or not is not in my hands… but I am ready.”
In a recent candid statement on a YouTube channel, the 35-year-old veteran Indian fast bowler emphasized that although the selection decision is not in his control as it rests with the selectors, captain and coach, he reiterated that he is match-fit and ready to don the national colours.
Shami said, “Whether I will be selected or not is not in my hands. The decision of selection is taken by the selection committee, captain and coach. If they want to be selected or want to give more time then it is in their hands. But I am ready.”
Therefore, the experienced fast bowler has dismissed rumors of him being unfit for the upcoming competition. Mohammed Shami has not been selected for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. Addressing such concerns, Shami said that his recent domestic matches included participation in the Duleep Trophy, where he bowled 35 overs, which proves his physical rhythm.
“My practice is going well, my fitness is going well. I will try to do better because the more time you spend away from the field, you need to be more motivated. You have to work harder,” he said.
Mohammed Shami’s statement is contrary to Ajit Agarkar’s statement
Mohammed Shami’s statement was in contrast to that of chief selector Ajit Agarkar when he was asked about the absence of the experienced fast bowler in India’s white-ball team. Agarkar said there is no such update, as he highlighted that Mohammed Shami needs more match practice before returning.
“I don’t have any updates. I think he hasn’t played much cricket in the last 2-3 years. I think he has played one match for Bengal and one match for the Duleep Trophy. So as a performer, we know what he can do, but he will need to play some cricket,” Agarkar told PTI.
Despite being one of the most experienced and best players in Australian conditions due to his ability to bowl fast bouncers, Shami was not selected for the much-awaited Australia series.
Shami has been selected to play for Bengal in the upcoming Ranji Trophy
However, Shami has some positive signs of his return to competitive cricket as he has been named in Bengal’s squad for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season starting on October 15.
The team will be led by experienced top-order batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has not been given a chance to play for India despite being a part of the previous team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
It is clear from the busy domestic season and Mohammed Shami’s statement that he is not done yet, he is ready to play for India in early 2026 as he has a very busy international schedule.
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