Twitter in disbelief as Shami rubbishes off fitness issues being reason for not being picked against Australia

Yesterday at 12:58 AM

After not being picked in India’s five-Test tour of England earlier this year, Mohammed Shami has been left out of the white-ball tour of Australia. The pacer, while talking to the media, made it clear that he did not have any fitness issues, and the selectors have not taken any update from him.

‌Mohammed Shami’s fitness issues have been doing the rounds ever since the pacer returned from an ankle surgery and a subsequent knee injury. The pacer had a successful surgery after India’s campaign in the ICC ODI World Cup in November 2023, before making his return to international cricket during the home series against England earlier this year.

He was also part of India’s successful ICC Champions Trophy squad, ending as the joint-highest wicket-taker for the Men in Blue in Dubai. The Bengal pacer picked up nine wickets, including a fifer, from five matches at an average of 25.88 and a strike rate of 27.33.

Shami, then, featured in the Indian Premier League, although he had an ordinary outing, taking only six wickets from nine matches at a poor average and economy of 56.16 and 11.23, respectively. He was left out of the subsequent five-Test England tour, with the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, citing his lack of first-class game time as the reason behind his omission.

Now, he has been left out of the ODI format as well, with the pacer not finding a place in the 15-member Indian squad for the three-match series Down Under. The Indian pacer rubbished off claims relating to his fitness being the reason for his omission in a briefing with the media.

The pacer explained that he was part of the Champions Trophy squad, played in the IPL, and most recently played in the Duleep Trophy as well. He emphasised that not playing for the country doesn't mean that he is unfit and out of touch, and he can play only if he gets picked in the side.

Shami also pointed out that he has not updated the selectors regarding his fitness, nor has he been queried about the same. He also made it clear that it was not his responsibility to ensure who updates what, and he has proved his fitness by featuring in the domestic matches.

Twitter was in disbelief as Shami went about answering queries surrounding his fitness concerns.

Some words

🚨Mohammed Shami thrashed Ajit Agarkar over non-selection.

- Shami said, "I played CT2025, IPL2025, Duleep Trophy & I am in good touch".

- Then reporter asked, "Agarkar said, we have no updates on Shami".

- Shami replied, "if you want update then you got to ask for it, it is…
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841)

No one asked

🚨 Mohammad Shami blasts Ajit Agarkar:

“No one asked me about my fitness. It’s the selectors job to ask a player. I’ve been playing regularly Champions Trophy, IPL, and all domestic matches. Still don’t get why I’m not fit to play for India.”
— ADITYA 🇮🇹 (@Wxtreme10)

What's my fault!

🚨 Mohammad Shami: "What's my fault if I'm not in the team now? But no problem, if you don't select me I'll play for my home state Bengal"

It's heartbreaking to see an Indian legend treated like this. Gambhir and Agarkar have completely ruined this team Rohit & kohli are next 💔
— ADITYA 🇮🇹 (@Wxtreme10)

The greatest

Imagine ignoring the greatest bowler in ICC tournament from India like this .

Ajit Agarkar didn't even ask Shami about his health & fitness.
— Sohel. (@SohelVkf)

Heartbreaking

🚨Heartbreaking 😥

Mohammad Shami: "What's my fault if I'm not in the team now? But no problem..."

It's heartbreaking to see an Indian legend treated like this. Gambhir and Agarkar have completely ruined this team Rohit & kohli are next 💔
— Voice Of Tribals 🏹 (@VoiceOfTribals_)

It hurts

IT HURTS TO SEE SHAMI LIKE THIS,HE WAS OUR HERO IN CWC 2019, CWC 2023 AND CT 2025🥺.
— The Khel India Cricket (@TKI_Cricket)

It did not?

Mohammed Shami said - "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…
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh)

Clearly

Now Shami has clearly said that he is fit and playing. If selectors need update on his fitness, they need to seek the information from NCA or from Shami himself. He is not a fringe player. He is a proven match winner who deserves proper communication!
— Amit T (@amittalwalkar)

Can we please

Can we have some answers to this and ?

Shami has been an exceptional performer for us in the past. Going forward if he is not in your plans, you should at least communicate that to him. This is no way to treat a champion bowler.
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444)

Brave!