Agarkar Reveals Shami’s Fitness Concerns Ahead of Crucial Australia Tests

Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the Indian men’s selection panel, mentioned on Friday that Mohammed Shami was omitted from India’s tour to England due to fitness concerns. Despite Shami’s exclusion from the ODI squad for the upcoming Australian tour, Agarkar noted that Shami remains in consideration if his fitness is assured.

Agarkar’s remarks came shortly after Shami voiced his frustration over not being selected for the national team, despite participating in four-day matches, including the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy.

Currently, Shami is representing Bengal in the opening round of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy at Eden Gardens. In the first innings against Uttarakhand, he secured three lower-order wickets, although he has not taken any wickets in the 15 overs he has bowled so far in the second innings.

“Selection is beyond my control. If there was a fitness concern, I shouldn’t be playing for Bengal. I prefer not to comment further and avoid controversy. If I can handle four-day games, I am capable of playing 50-over cricket,” Shami told PTI.

Reacting to Shami’s remarks, Agarkar said at the NDTV World Summit 2025, “I’d respond if he approached me directly. If there’s something specific on social media, perhaps I’d call him. My phone is always available for players, and I’ve had numerous discussions with him recently. I don’t aim to create a headline here.

“Shami has been an outstanding performer for India. If there’s a comment, it’s something we should discuss directly. Before the England tour, we stated that if fit, he’d be included. Unfortunately, he wasn’t.

“With the domestic season underway, his fitness will be assessed. This is just the first round of Ranji matches. If he performs well, there’s no reason not to consider him.

“In the last six to twelve months, including the Australian tour, we wanted him on the team, but his fitness was lacking. If he maintains fitness in the coming months, the situation might change. As it stands, he wasn’t ready for the England tour,” Agarkar added.