‘I can also play’: Mohammed Shami fires back at chief selector Ajit Agarkar after Australia ODIs snub | Cricket News

Mohammed Shami dismissed fitness concerns while noting that the decision ultimately rests with the selectors. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami joined Bengal’s practice session at Eden Gardens on Tuesday ahead of their Ranji Trophy opener against Uttarakhand, addressing his exclusion from India’s upcoming white-ball series in Australia. The 35-year-old pacer, who was the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ICC World Cup, dismissed fitness concerns while noting that the decision ultimately rests with the selectors.Shami’s last outing for India came during the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai in February-March, where India emerged victorious. He shared the tournament’s highest wicket-taker accolade with Varun Chakravarthy, claiming nine wickets each.“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 told the media.“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,” he added regarding his omission from the Australia tour.“About giving an update, it’s not my responsibility to give an update or ask for an update. It’s not my job to give updates on my fitness. My job is to go to the NCA (Centre of Excellence), prepare and play matches. Woh unki baat hai unko kaun update deta hai, kisne nahin diya. It’s not my responsibility,” he said, referring to the Centre of Excellence’s role in issuing fitness certificates.His remarks came in response to chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar’s comment about lacking updates on Shami’s fitness after the Australian squad was announced.A 15-member Indian squad, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, has gathered in Delhi ahead of the tour, which features three ODIs and three T20Is, with Shubman Gill as captain. Kohli, now a London resident, has returned to India to join the squad.Shami, who boasts 229 Test wickets and 206 ODI wickets, hasn’t played Test cricket since the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s. While his absence was noted during India’s 2024-25 Australia tour struggles, he has faced challenges maintaining a regular spot across formats since returning from a long injury layoff.