Shami and Agarkar Trade Barbs Over India Tour Snub Amid Fitness Debate
Tense exchange between Mohammed Shami and Ajit Agarkar over fitness and India’s Australia tour exclusion.
Tensions between India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami escalated on October 17, 2025, as Agarkar addressed Shami’s sharp criticism over his omission from the white-ball tour of Australia. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Agarkar responded to Shami’s claim that it’s not his responsibility to update selectors on his fitness, stating, “If he says that to me, I will probably answer that. My phone’s always on for most players.” The spat follows Shami’s remarks after joining Bengal’s Ranji Trophy squad, where he asserted his participation in domestic cricket proves his readiness.
Shami, 35, last played for India in the 2023 Champions Trophy and underwent surgery post the 2023 World Cup, missing the World Test Championship final against Australia. Agarkar acknowledged Shami’s “incredible” contributions but highlighted persistent fitness concerns over the past year, noting, “If he was fit, he would have been on that plane” for earlier tours. With the domestic season underway, Agarkar emphasized that Shami’s fitness will be monitored over upcoming Ranji Trophy matches, adding, “If he does stay fit over the next few months, who knows, the story might be different.”
The pacer’s frustration surfaced after Agarkar claimed he had “no updates” on Shami’s condition during a pre-series press conference. Shami, preparing for Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Uttarakhand alongside Akashdeep, countered, “If I am not fit, I would not be here today,” arguing his ability to play four-day matches qualifies him for 50-over cricket. His recent Duleep Trophy performance, however, was underwhelming, conceding 136 runs for one wicket across 34 overs, raising questions about his form and readiness for international cricket.
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The public exchange underscores the high stakes for Shami’s potential comeback, with Bengal’s pace attack—bolstered by Akashdeep, Mukesh Kumar, and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal—seen as a proving ground. Agarkar’s cautious optimism contrasts with Shami’s defiant stance, setting the stage for a critical evaluation period. As India prepares for Australia, the resolution of this rift could shape the team’s bowling strategy and Shami’s storied career trajectory.
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