Mohammed Shami's ODI Career Over? Pacer 'Mocks' Ajit Agarkar After Being Left Out of Squad

When the India squad was chosen for the ODIs in Australia, one prominent name missing was that of Mohammed Shami. The 35-year-old last played for India in the Champions Trophy final on March 9, having made his international return at the start of 2025. The series Down Under begins on October 19.

Mohammed Shami’s Dig at Ajit Agarkar

The pacer took a subtle dig at Ajit Agarkar who is the chairman of selectors regarding his fitness update. Shami said it was not his job to provide updates and also if fitness was the issue then how come he was picked for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. He asserted how he could be fit for one and not for the other. There is speculation that the door is being shut on his ODI career though Shami insists he can still play.

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"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," he said while speaking to reporters.

"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 go to the NCA (National Cricket Academy), 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.

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Mohammed Shami Not Losing Hope Yet

"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. 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 have no objection. If you don't select me, I will come here and play for Bengal. I have no issue with it," he went on to say.

"I also don't want to play in pain or make the team suffer. I wanted to come back after the operation and make a strong comeback. I am trying to do the same. I am ready to go whenever they (selectors) want me to go. In the old days, Ranji Trophy was a big level for anyone. But today, we have a platform, and you think it's an 'insult' to go back to play first-class cricket like Ranji Trophy. I don't think so. You should play four-day cricket," he continued.

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"If there is a condition that you would be in the team if you perform in Ranji Trophy, then there is nothing wrong in that. No doubt, you should perform," he also said.

Mohammed Shami’s Journey in International Cricket

Shami was out for a long time after the 2023 ODI World Cup where he was the showstopper with 24 wickets in seven games. His comeback was vs England in 2025. When it comes to the other formats, he has not played T20Is for over eight months and his last Test appearance was in the WTC Final vs Australia in 2023. Since 2013, Shami has taken 462 wickets in 217 international appearances. At 35, Shami has maybe two to three years left at the most at the international level, fitness and form permitting. When will he play for India again? That remains to be seen.