Ajit Agarkar spoke on Mohammed Shami’s omission from Team India, stressing that fitness remains the primary factor.

Ajit Agarkar Clarifies Mohammed Shami’s Exclusion

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed Mohammed Shami’s continued absence from the Indian cricket team during his appearance at the NDTV World Leaders Meet. Offering clarity on the ongoing fitness-versus-selection debate dominating cricket discussions, Agarkar spoke candidly about the situation.

At the event in New Delhi, Ajit Agarkar was asked about Shami’s recent comments on his fitness and availability. Responding thoughtfully, he praised Shami’s skill and experience but emphasized the selection panel’s stance on the importance of match fitness and consistent game time before considering a player for national duty.

Agarkar clears the air

Addressing Mohammed Shami’s ongoing absence from Team India, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar offered an honest explanation during his appearance at the NDTV World Leaders Meet.

“Look, he is an incredible performer for India. If he said something, maybe that is a conversation for me to have with him or him to have with me,” Agarkar remarked. “But even before England, we said if he was fit, he would have been on the plane. Unfortunately, he wasn’t. And our domestic season has just started. So we’ll see if he is fit enough.”

Elaborating on the committee’s approach, Agarkar added, “This is the first round of Ranji games that’s going on. We’ll find out in a couple more games if he’s fit. Look, with his quality, if he is bowling well, why would you not want to have someone like Shami?”

Reflecting on the panel’s previous efforts to include the veteran pacer, Agarkar said, “What we found in the last six, eight months to a year, even leading to the Australia tour, which we were desperate to have him on, unfortunately, his fitness wasn’t there. And if he does in a few months, who knows, the story might be different. But at this point, as far as I know, he wasn’t fit enough for that England tour.”

Shami’s previous dig at the selection committee

The remarks from Ajit Agarkar came just days after Mohammed Shami told reporters in Kolkata that he is fit and currently playing in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. The 35-year-old pacer, who last represented India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, expressed frustration over his omission from recent squads, stating, “If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal. If I can play four-dayers, I can also play 50-over cricket.”

Shami was included in Bengal’s squad for the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season and featured in their opening match against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on October 15. After undergoing Achilles tendon surgery, the veteran seamer has been working his way back through domestic cricket to regain full match fitness.

Agarkar, meanwhile, clarified his open communication with players, noting, “My phone is always on for most players, and I have had multiple chats with him over the last few months. I don’t want to try and give you a headline here.”

The chief selector’s comments indicate that Shami’s return to the Indian team hinges on proving consistent fitness and form through the ongoing domestic season. The selection panel continues to monitor his progress closely in the upcoming Ranji Trophy fixtures.