By Mohammed Shami’s recent communication with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar over his omission from the Asia Cup squad and the England tour paints the picture of a senior cricketer who has chosen maturity and calm reflection over frustration and outrage. After a series of fitness concerns and mixed performances, Shami found himself sidelined for the crucial Asia Cup as well as the demanding five-Test series in England, but instead of lashing out or questioning the decision, the pacer delivered a message that summed up both his professionalism and his sense of responsibility. In his direct words to the selection panel, Shami admitted that the decision was not his to make, stating, “If I fit into your plans, then select me; if I don’t, then don’t.
What makes this interaction significant is that the selectors did in fact consult him prior to finalising the England squad. Reports suggest that Ajit Agarkar and his team wanted clarity on Shami’s readiness for such a long and grueling assignment, but the pacer’s own response revealed a measure of uncertainty. Shami apparently admitted that he did not feel fully confident about his fitness and workload at the time, which in turn gave the selectors little choice but to move on without him. Agarkar later confirmed this publicly, remarking that Shami’s workload “is not where it needs to be,” while adding that medical reports, including an MRI, showed the fast bowler was not entirely free of injury concerns. This development was deeply unfortunate for India’s pace unit, given Shami’s experience and record in English conditions, but his own candidness during conversations with selectors essentially sealed the decision.
Yet, despite missing two marquee events, Shami has not retreated into disappointment. Instead, he has focused on proving that he remains available, committed, and fit for future assignments. He cleared the rigorous Bronco Test at the National Cricket Academy, declared himself ready for competitive cricket, and confirmed participation in the Duleep Trophy beginning August 28. When asked about the seeming contradiction between being deemed unfit for India but ready for domestic cricket, Shami responded with another pointed remark: “If I can play the Duleep Trophy, then why won’t I be able to play T20 cricket?” This comment carried both his conviction and a subtle reminder to the selectors that his readiness cannot be dismissed lightly.
His case is further complicated by the mixed numbers from recent months—while his IPL 2025 performance was underwhelming with only six wickets in nine matches, his showing in the Champions Trophy was outstanding, where he finished as one of India’s top wicket-takers. Such fluctuations only add to the challenge of assessing his immediate value, but Shami himself has chosen not to dwell on statistics or debates. His focus is purely on preparing, performing, and letting results do the talking. What emerges clearly is a portrait of a bowler who, despite setbacks, has not lost belief in his abilities or his place in Indian cricket.
By saying, “If you give me an opportunity, I will give my absolute best,” he has thrown the ball back into the selectors’ court, leaving no room for misunderstandings about his commitment. His message to Agarkar and the panel can be read as both humble acceptance and quiet defiance: he will not chase selection with words, but with deeds on the field. For now, he remains sidelined, but with home series against West Indies and South Africa around the corner, the Duleep Trophy may provide the perfect stage for him to remind everyone that Mohammed Shami, when fit and firing, is still one of India’s most potent fast-bowling weapons.
