Before the ODI series against Australia, the war of words between experienced Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has once again intensified. Shami, who was dropped from the team while playing for Bengal against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy, dismissed Agarkar’s fitness concerns.
The 35-year-old fast bowler’s omission from the ODI squad for the Australia series came as a surprise, especially after his role in India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign. Notably, the selectors’ decision to favor young bowlers instead of experienced fast bowlers has led to a verbal spat between Shami and Agarkar.
Let him say whatever he wants – Mohammed Shami hits back at Ajit Agarkar
Mohammed Shami is representing Bengal in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy opener against Uttarakhand at the Eden Gardens. He took 3 wickets for 37 runs in 14.5 overs, as Uttarakhand was bowled out for 213 runs in the first innings. Shami bowled 15 overs in the second innings on the third day but did not get any wicket.
After the day’s play in Kolkata, Shami responded to questions about Ajit Agarkar’s comments on his fitness. Speaking to reporters, Shami dismissed the concerns, saying, “Let him say whatever he wants to say.”
Shami told reporters, “Let him say what he wants. You have seen how I bowled. It is all in front of your eyes.”
Ahead of the Ranji Trophy opener, Shami represented East Zone against North Zone in the 2025 Duleep Trophy. He took 1 wicket for 100 runs in the first innings and could not take any wicket for 36 runs in the second innings.
If Shami was here, I would have answered him – Ajit Agarkar
Earlier in Delhi, Ajit Agarkar had talked about Mohammed Shami being dropped from the team. The chief selector said that if Shami had been fit, his selection would have been considered. Agarkar revealed that the fast bowler was not fully fit.
“If Shami was here, I would have answered him. If he is fit then why don’t we have a bowler like Shami?”
“I have spoken to him several times. In the last six to eight months, we realized that he was not fit. Had he remained fit in the next few months, the story might have been different, but he was not fit to be selected for the England tour,” Agarkar told PTI.
Shami has been working hard to regain his peak form after suffering several knee injuries, but India may have decided to move on from him. The fast bowler felt he was not being told the truth about being dropped from the upcoming Australia series starting in Perth on Sunday.
How has Mohammed Shami’s performance been after returning from injury?
Mohammed Shami’s career has been a mix of comebacks and challenges since the surgery he underwent after the 2023 ODI World Cup. The veteran fast bowler spent almost a year on the sidelines before returning to action during India’s white-ball home series against England.
The 35-year-old has played two T20Is and seven ODIs since his return, taking 14 wickets at an average of 27.64 and an economy rate of 6.20. He later featured in the final eleven in the Champions Trophy campaign in the UAE as the team’s only specialist seamer.
However, Shami’s form dipped during the IPL 2025 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he took only six wickets in nine matches at an economy of 11.23 and an average above 56. His struggles with rhythm and consistency had reportedly raised concerns among the selectors ahead of the England tour.
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