Mohammed Shami Contradicts Agarkar: ‘I am Absolutely Match To Play For India’



India’s seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami has put an finish to ongoing hypothesis relating to his health, confirming that he’s totally match and prepared for choice, though he has been overlooked of India’s T20I and ODI. squads for the upcoming Australia tour.

Talking on his YouTube channel, the 35-year-old pacer clarified that the ultimate say on crew choice lies with the selectors, captain, and coach — however he stays ready to characterize India each time given the possibility.

“Whether or not I get chosen or not isn’t in my fingers. The choice of choice is taken by the choice committee, the captain and the coach. In the event that they need to choose or give extra time, it is of their fingers. However I’m prepared,” mentioned Shami.

Shami’s remarks got here shortly after chief selector Ajit Agarkar supplied a unique perspective on his absence from India’s latest white-ball squads. Agarkar, whereas addressing the media, talked about that there had been no latest updates about Shami and emphasised his restricted match time in recent times.

“I haven’t got an replace. I believe he has not performed a variety of cricket within the final 2-3 years. I believe he is performed one match for Bengal and one for the Duleep Trophy. In order a performer, we all know what he can do, however he might want to play some cricket,” Agarkar had mentioned.

The Bengal speedster final appeared for India within the Champions Trophy 2025 remaining towards New Zealand. Whereas he started that match impressively — selecting up a five-wicket haul towards Bangladesh — his performances dipped barely earlier than he bounced again with a three-wicket show within the semi-final towards Australia and a wicket within the remaining.

Addressing questions over his present kind and health, Shami pointed to his home performances, together with a 35-over spell within the Duleep Trophy, as proof of his preparedness and rhythm.

“My follow goes properly, my health goes properly. I am going to attempt to do significantly better as a result of the extra time you spend away from the bottom, it is advisable to be motivated extra. You need to do extra laborious work,” he added.

Though his non-selection continues the pattern of resting senior gamers, Shami’s expertise and talent to ship in key matches preserve him firmly within the reckoning for future assignments.

In encouraging information for followers, Shami has been included in Bengal’s squad for the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, set to start on October 15. The crew can be led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, as confirmed by the Cricket Affiliation of Bengal (CAB) on Wednesday.