Mohammed Shami takes a dig at Team India management after omission

Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has taken a pointed swipe at the Indian team management over his exclusion from the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming Australia tour. Addressing speculation about his fitness, Shami made it clear that he is fully match-ready and suggested that any confusion lies with the management, not him.

The experienced pacer questioned the logic behind his omission, stating that if he is fit to play in the four-day Ranji Trophy, he should naturally be fit enough for 50-over cricket as well. “The Indian team didn’t communicate with me about fitness. It’s not my job to tell them, they should ask me. If I can play four-day games, why can’t I play ODIs? If I wasn’t fit, I’d be at the NCA, not in the Ranji Trophy,” Shami remarked.

Shami has been included in Bengal’s squad for the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, which begins on October 15, with Abhimanyu Easwaran set to lead the side, according to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

His comments came shortly after chief selector Ajit Agarkar offered a contrasting view. Agarkar, when asked about Shami’s absence, cited the pacer’s limited match time in recent years. “There’s no new update. He has played in the Duleep Trophy, but over the last two or three years, he hasn’t played much cricket — maybe one game for Bengal and one in the Duleep Trophy. We know his capabilities, but he needs to play more,” Agarkar explained.

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Shami last represented India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, where he picked up a solitary wicket. Earlier in the tournament, he had a strong start with a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh but went wicketless in two successive matches before regaining rhythm with a three-wicket burst against Australia in the semifinal.

Although a national recall may not be immediate, Shami’s message is clear — he’s not done yet. With a busy domestic season and an important Test series against England scheduled for early 2026, his performances and fitness in the coming months could play a crucial role in determining how soon the selectors turn to him again.