Missing Mohammed Shami: A Fitness Puzzle for India's Cricket Team?
The absence of star bowler Mohammed Shami from India's white-ball tour of Australia has stirred up quite a debate. Shami himself hinted at his frustration, suggesting that the selectors overlooked him. Now, BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar has stepped into the conversation at the NDTV World Summit 2025, offering his perspective.
Shami's recent participation in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal seemingly indicated his fitness, leading him to question the selection panel's decision. He last played for India in the Champions Trophy, where he was a top performer, sharing the honors with Varun Chakravarthy. However, recurring ankle and knee injuries, requiring surgery after the 2023 World Cup, have plagued his recent career.
Agarkar's response to Shami's comments was straightforward: had Shami been fully fit, he would have been in the team. He mentioned that he's been in regular contact with Shami.
"If he said something, maybe that is a conversation for me to have with him or him to have with me. But even before England, we said if he was fit, he would have been on that plane," Agarkar stated. He further explained that the team was eager to include Shami in the Australia tour, but his fitness wasn't up to the mark. The selectors are closely monitoring his performance in the ongoing domestic season to assess his readiness for future matches. "If he is bowling well, why would you not want to have someone like a Shami," he added. This raises the question: Is there a communication gap between the player and the selectors, or is it purely a matter of fitness?
India is gearing up for a series of three ODIs and five T20Is in Australia, starting October 19. This series marks the return of veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who last played an international game in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Could Shami's experience and skill have made a difference?
But here's where it gets controversial...
What do you think? Do you believe fitness is the only factor, or are there other considerations at play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
