In a bold and unapologetic move, Mohammed Shami refuses to back down in the face of criticism from chief selector Ajit Agarkar, sparking a heated debate in the cricket world. But here's where it gets controversial: Shami's exclusion from India’s ODI squad for the Australia series has ignited a fiery exchange, leaving fans and analysts divided. Let’s dive into the details and uncover what’s really at stake.
Updated on: Oct 18, 2025, 09:32 am IST
Mohammed Shami has doubled down on his frustration over Ajit Agarkar’s remarks about his fitness, dismissing the comments with a shrug and a sharp retort. The seasoned seam bowler, who played a pivotal role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy success, was surprisingly left out of the squad, with the BCCI’s selection panel opting for younger talent instead. This decision has since spiraled into a public spat between Shami and Agarkar, raising questions about transparency, communication, and the criteria for team selection.
Currently showcasing his skills in the Ranji Trophy, where he represents Bengal against Uttarakhand, Shami didn’t mince words when addressing Agarkar’s claims. Speaking to reporters post-match, he quipped, “Let him say whatever he wants. My performance speaks for itself—you’ve all seen how I bowled.” And indeed, his actions on the field were hard to ignore. Shami single-handedly dismantled Uttarakhand’s tail, claiming three wickets in a single over to secure Bengal’s first innings lead at Eden Gardens. This performance seemed to directly challenge Agarkar’s assertion that fitness concerns were behind Shami’s exclusion.
But this is the part most people miss: During an event in Delhi, Agarkar had hinted that Shami’s fitness was the primary reason for his omission. “If Shami were here, I’d give him an answer. If he’s fit, why wouldn’t we want a bowler like him?” Agarkar had said, adding, “Over the past six to eight months, we’ve found he wasn’t fit. If he stays fit in the coming months, things could change, but he wasn’t ready for the England tour.” Shami, however, vehemently disputes this, pointing out his consistent participation in four-day matches and criticizing the selectors for shifting the responsibility of fitness updates onto players rather than consulting the NCA’s Centre of Excellence.
Shami’s anger isn’t just directed at Agarkar—it’s a broader critique of the selection process. In a previous outburst, he questioned, “Who’s supposed to update them? That’s not my responsibility.” This raises a thought-provoking question: Should players be held accountable for communicating their fitness levels, or is it the selectors’ duty to stay informed?
At 35, Shami is undeniably at a crossroads in his career, battling to regain his peak form after a series of knee injuries. While India may be looking to the future with younger talent, Shami’s exclusion feels personal, especially if he believes he’s being sidelined under false pretenses. The bitterness in his response is palpable, and it’s hard not to wonder: Is this the end of Shami’s international career, or will he prove his detractors wrong?
As the series against Australia kicks off this Sunday, the drama off the field is as intense as the action on it. What do you think? Is Shami being unfairly treated, or is it time for India to move on? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
