Mohammed Shami hits back at Ajit Agarkar over fitness comments ahead of India-Australia 2025 clash

Disagreement between Indian fast bowlers! Mohammed Shami and main selector Ajit Agarkar has become intense before the much anticipated India-Australia 2025 seriesThe veteran fast bowler reacted sharply to Agarkar’s recent allegations about his fitness, sparking a controversy that has now overshadowed India’s preparations for the tour.

Mohammed Shami rejects Agarkar’s fitness claims ahead of IND vs AUS 2025 match

Shami is currently playing for Bengal ranji trophy 2025-26 The batsman, who opened at the Eden Gardens, was once again in the news after a fiery statement after the day’s play in Kolkata. Shami, who took 3 wickets for 37 runs in the first innings against Uttarakhand, is looking in strong form. In the second innings, he bowled 15 overs without any success but displayed his characteristic intensity and accuracy. His performance is coming under intense scrutiny after being dropped from the national team for the upcoming Australia tour. The fast bowler claimed that the decision lacked proper communication, arguing that his fitness and performance levels were misinterpreted.

,You have seen how I bowled. It’s all in front of your eyesShami told Hindustan Times after the day’s play, indirectly hitting back at Agarkar’s comments, saying his fitness was a matter of concern. His sharp tone and confidence indicated clear frustration over the selection process, raising questions over the selection committee’s handling of senior players.

Agarkar had recently said in a media interaction with NDTV that Shami’s fitness problem was the main reason for his exclusion from the team. He acknowledged the importance of the bowler but stressed that selection depends on medical clearance and overall workload management.

,Had he been fit, he would have been part of the team. This has been discussed for several months and I am always available to the players. Agarkar explained. His statement was intended to quell growing speculation, yet drew a strong response from Shami, who believes his match preparation has been misjudged.

Also read: Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Mohammed Shami’s absence in India’s ODI team for Australia tour

The selection controversy deepens before the important tour of India

The India-Australia clash is one of the key series on the international calendar, making Shami’s exclusion a significant talking point. The experienced fast bowler last represented India 2025 champions trophyWhere he served as the lead seamer. However, inconsistent performances in the competition and a disappointing Indian Premier League 2025 campaign Sunrisers Hyderabad Damaged his case. In the IPL, Shami appeared in nine matches, taking just six wickets at an economy rate of over 11 runs per over. Critics argued that the lack of rhythm and high economy rates weakened his claim to national recall.

Following post-World Cup surgery in early 2024, Shami had gradually increased his workload through domestic and regional cricket. His recent participation in duleep trophy For East Zone, where he recorded figures of 1-100 and 0-36, he showed signs of a comeback but failed to convince the selectors. Experts believe that the prolonged absence at the international level and concerns over match fitness led Agarkar and the panel to take a cautious approach ahead of the high-intensity tour.

Also read: Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play 2027 World Cup? Chief selector Ajit Agarkar reveals secrets