Ajit Agarkar Breaks Silence on Mohammed Shami's ODI Squad Exclusion

India’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, has finally spoken about Mohammed Shami being left out of India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. He made it clear that Shami’s exclusion was only because of fitness issues. “If he was fit, he would have been on the plane,” Agarkar said at the NDTV World Summit 2025 on Friday.

Shami had earlier expressed his frustration on social media, saying that his performances for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy show he is fully fit. He also added that it’s not his job to update the selectors about his fitness. The fast bowler has been struggling with ankle and knee problems after surgery following the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Ajit Agarkar Opens Up on Mohammed Shami’s ODI Squad Omission

Agarkar responded calmly, saying, “If he wants to talk to me, I’m always available. I’ve had several chats with him over the past few months. I can’t comment on everything he says online, but the door is always open for him.” He also praised Shami’s contribution to Indian cricket. “He has been an incredible performer for India. Even before the England tour, we said if he was fit, he would have played. Unfortunately, he wasn’t.”

Shami’s progress in domestic cricket will be closely watched in the coming weeks. He is currently playing for Bengal against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy, and selectors might consider him for the South Africa Test series if he stays fit. Agarkar added that Shami was considered for the Australia tour, but his fitness held him back. “We wanted him on the team, even for the last Australia tour, but he wasn’t fully fit. If he stays fit in the coming months, things could be different,” he said.

ALSO READ: ‘Difficult to say what…’- Ajit Agarkar speaks on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 2027 ODI World Cup chances at NDTV World Summit

India’s tour of Australia starts on October 19 with three ODIs, followed by five T20Is. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to the team, while Shubman Gill will lead India in ODIs.