Mohammed Shami takes aim at 'selectors', reacting to India vs Australia snub
As India prepares for the upcoming Australia tour, much of the spotlight remains on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The three-match India vs Australia ODI series will mark the return of the fan favorites after more than six months. However, amid the excitement surrounding Rohit and Kohli’s comeback, the gradual phasing out of another senior player has gone largely unnoticed. Mohammed Shami has not been included in the India squad for Australia tour. While uncertainty hovers over the futures of ‘Ro-Ko’ after the India vs Australia series, Shami’s exit appears to have already been scripted. The latest snub has all but confirmed that the road has come to an end for the pacer in the Indian setup.
"It's not my responsibility": Mohammed Shami minces no words as he reacts to his omission from the India vs Australia ODI series
Mohammed Shami, aged 35, has been missing from the India line-up since the ICC Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year. The senior pacer was first excluded from the squad for the five-match India vs England Test series, with the selection committee expressing doubts over whether his fitness would allow him to undertake the rigorous workload of the red-ball format.
However, the committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, did not include Shami in white-ball affairs either, as the veteran was not named in the T20I squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Meanwhile, with his name absent from the India squad for Australia Tour as well, Shami now finds himself out of contention for the ODIs as well, despite playing a crucial role in India’s title-winning run not long ago.
Meanwhile, as the Indian squad departs for the Australia Tour, Mohammed Shami has reacted to his latest snub. Breaking his silence, Shami recently opened up about his omission, asserting that he is fully fit to compete and intends to demonstrate the same by representing Bengal in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. The veteran seamer also clarified that it is not his obligation to continually update the national selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, about his fitness status.
"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 (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-overs cricket," Shami was quoted as saying.
"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 attend the NCA (Centre of Excellence), 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.
Mohammed Shami made his international return earlier this year, has been struggling with recurring knee issues since the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. During that tournament, he was India’s standout performer, finishing as the top wicket-taker with 24 dismissals. However, an ankle injury sustained afterward required surgery on his Achilles tendon, which subsequently ruled him out of the Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
With his exclusion from the ODI squad for the India vs Australia series, uncertainty now looms large over Shami’s international future. As India transitions into a new phase across formats, the experienced fast bowler continues to remain hopeful of making a comeback and proving that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
"I always say that you should select the best for your country. It's a matter of the country. The country should win. We should all be happy. That's what I always say," he said. "Keep fighting, keep playing games. If you perform well, it will benefit you as well. Selection is not in my hands. I can only prepare and play matches. I've no objection, if you don't select me, then I will come here and play for Bengal. I've no issue with it," he added.
