India will play 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is against Australia this month. The Indian squad has been announced, and Mohammed Shami’s absence shocked everyone. Selectors said he is not 100% fit for the tour. Now Shami has come to tell his side of the story.
Mohammed Shami has publicly challenged the validity of the fitness concerns. These concern comes cited by the Indian cricket management for his exclusion from the Australia tour, hinting at a deeper conspiracy behind the decision.
What did Shami Say
Mohammed Shami criticises Ajit Agarkar and the Indian cricket team’s management. He blamed them for excluding him from the squad for the Australia tour, claiming he is fit and ready to play.
“The Indian team didn’t communicate with me regarding fitness. I am not the one who would inform them about my fitness – they have to ask me.
“If I can play four-day cricket, then why can’t I play a 50-over game? If I wasn’t fit, I’d be at the NCA and not playing here in the Ranji Trophy,” Shami said.
He dismissed claims regarding his fitness as baseless and highlighted a lack of communication between himself and the selectors.
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Shami’s Domestic Performances
Shami openly said that if he is playing in the Ranji Trophy and doing really well. He should also participate in ODIs and T20s for India.
Agarkar backed the decision to skip Shami. Citing the bowler’s limited participation in domestic cricket over the last few years. He believes they need more constant matches.
“I have no update. He has played in the Duleep Trophy. But in the last two or three years, he hasn’t played a lot of cricket.
“I think he played one game for Bengal and one in the Duleep Trophy. As a performer, we know what he can do, but he has to play cricket,” Agarkar said.
Shami specifically targeted Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. He said that it is not his duty to update them on his fitness status.
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“About giving updates, it’s not my responsibility to give or ask for one. It’s not my job to give an update on my fitness. My job is to go to the NCA, prepare, and play matches. Giving an update is not my responsibility,” Shami said.
Shami aims to prove his critics wrong with a strong showing in the upcoming domestic season.
