New Delhi: In the midst of India’s preparations for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed comments made by pacer Mohammed Shami regarding his omission from the squad, stressing that fitness remains the key criterion for national selection.
Shami, who recently represented Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, had hinted at his readiness for international duty and expressed frustration over being overlooked, suggesting that the selectors should keep track of his performance. The 35-year-old bowler, who played a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph as one of the top wicket-takers alongside Varun Chakravarthy, has been sidelined intermittently due to ankle and knee injuries, which required surgical intervention following the 2023 World Cup. His last appearance in the Indian Test side was in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.
Responding to Shami’s remarks, Agarkar emphasized that selection decisions are strictly based on player fitness. “He has been an incredible performer for India. If he had been fully fit, he would have certainly been in the team,” Agarkar said. He further clarified that communication channels remain open, and discussions between players and selectors are ongoing. “I have had multiple chats with him over the last few months. Our domestic season has just begun, and the timing is critical. If he says something publicly, that is a conversation we can always have directly,” Agarkar added.
India’s upcoming tour of Australia includes three ODIs and a five-match T20I series starting October 19. The series will also mark the much-anticipated return of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who will don national colors for the first time since the 2025 Champions Trophy final in March.
As the Indian team prepares for the challenging tour, the emphasis remains on fielding a fully fit and competitive squad, with Agarkar underscoring that the doors are always open for players like Shami, provided they meet the fitness requirements.