"I am in good touch" – Mohammed Shami hits back at Ajit Agarkar after Australia white-ball series snub – sportingnews.com

Saurav Goyal
Mohammed Shami has made his feelings clear after being left out of India’s white-ball squad for the upcoming Australia tour.
The senior pacer, who was one of India’s top performers at the 2023 World Cup and Champions Trophy 2025, expressed disappointment over his exclusion. 
The 35-year-old is currently representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and believes that his availability for four-day matches should have been enough proof of his fitness.
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His strong remarks come just days after chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that he had ‘no update’ on Shami’s fitness.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Uttarakhand, Shami said he doesn’t see any reason why he couldn’t play one-day cricket if he is fit to play multi-day games.
“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. I think I do not need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers, I can also play 50-overs cricket,” said Shami,
He also stated that it’s not his duty to inform the selectors about his fitness status. 
“My job is to go to the NCA, prepare and play matches. Woh unki baat hai unko kaun update deta hai, kisne nahin diya (That’s their matter who gives them updates or not). It’s not my responsibility,” he added.
After the team announcement for the Australia white-ball series starting October 19, Ajit Agarkar was asked about Shami’s omission.
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The chairman of selectors said there was not much clarity regarding his fitness update, adding that the bowler had not played enough cricket recently.
Agarkar said, “I have no update. He has played in the Duleep Trophy, but in the last two-three years, he hasn’t played a lot of matches. As a performer, we all know what he can do, but he needs to play cricket regularly.”
This response didn’t seem to sit well with Shami, who has already undergone surgery on his Achilles tendon and has since recovered.
India will face Australia in a three-match ODI series starting on October 19, followed by T20Is. Shami’s comments show that he still has the hunger to compete at the highest level.
While it is uncertain when he will return to India’s limited-overs setup, Shami’s message is clear- he is fit, confident and ready to prove himself once again.
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Saurav Goyal is a Content Producer at the Sporting News with over two years of experience in covering cricket. An avid cricket fan for more than two decades, his passion for the game led him to writing. Since then, he’s been delivering the latest news and engaging content to keep cricket fans informed and entertained.

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