Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has voiced his frustration after being left out of India’s white-ball squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, indirectly criticising the national selectors.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens, Shami said his participation in domestic cricket proves his fitness.
“I have said this before. Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal,” Shami said. “I think I do not need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-overs cricket.”
The 35-year-old pacer, who played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year as joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Varun Chakravarthy, has been recovering from ankle and knee surgeries since the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite taking 24 wickets in just seven matches during that tournament, Shami has not featured in India’s Test or limited-overs squads in recent months.
Selector chairman Ajit Agarkar earlier said there was “no update” on Shami’s fitness when announcing the squad for the Australia series. Responding to that, Shami clarified that he has completed his rehabilitation and is match-fit.
“My job is to go to the NCA, prepare and play matches. That’s their matter who gives them updates or not. It’s not my responsibility,” he said.
Shami added that he has already returned to competitive cricket through the Duleep Trophy for East Zone this season. “I always say that you should select the best for your country. It’s a matter of the country. The country should win. We should all be happy. That’s what I always say,” he remarked.
He further said that he is ready whenever the selectors need him. “Keep fighting, keep playing games. If you perform well, it will benefit you as well. Selection is not in my hands. I can only prepare and play matches. I have no objection… If you don’t select me, I will come here and play for Bengal. I have no issue with it.”
“I also don’t want to play in pain or make the team suffer. I wanted to come back after the operation and make a strong comeback. I am trying to do the same. I am ready to go whenever they (selectors) want me to go,” he added.
While acknowledging that team dynamics are changing and younger players are getting more chances, Shami said consistency is hard to maintain in cricket and that domestic cricket remains the true test of a player’s ability.
“In the old days, Ranji Trophy was a big level for anyone. But today, we have a platform, and you think it’s an ‘insult’ to go back to play first-class cricket like Ranji Trophy. I don’t think so. You should play four-day cricket,” he said.
Shami, who last played for India in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023, said he remains focused on performance rather than explanations. “I just want to keep performing and stay ready for an opportunity, whenever it comes,” he said.