By At the NDTV World Summit 2025, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket — the absence of fast bowler Mohammed Shami from India’s squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. In a candid interaction, Agarkar made it clear that fitness remains a non-negotiable criterion for selection and emphasized that if Shami had been fully fit, he would have undoubtedly been part of the team.
Agarkar began by praising Shami’s remarkable contributions to Indian cricket over the years, particularly his performances in major tournaments and overseas tours. He called Shami one of India’s most dependable and match-winning fast bowlers but added that selection is based not only on talent or past achievements but also on current physical readiness. “If Shami was fit, he’d be in the team. That’s as simple as it gets,” Agarkar said firmly.
The controversy began when Shami, after being left out of the squad, expressed his disappointment and questioned the process. He stated that he had been available to play domestic matches for Bengal and therefore should have been considered fit for international duty. Shami also mentioned that it wasn’t his responsibility to constantly update selectors about his recovery status. His comments drew wide attention from fans and former players, many of whom sympathized with him.
Responding to those remarks, Agarkar clarified that the selection committee works closely with the team’s medical staff and that a player’s fitness is determined through detailed assessments and communication between physiotherapists, trainers, and selectors. He explained that even though Shami had made progress in his recovery, the reports suggested that he wasn’t fully match-fit at the time of selection. “We were desperate to have him in the team, but we can’t compromise on fitness. Playing international cricket demands complete readiness, especially for a fast bowler,” Agarkar said.
Agarkar also mentioned that he has maintained open communication channels with senior players, including Shami, and there is no personal conflict involved. He added that misunderstandings often arise when conversations happen through the media instead of directly between players and selectors. “If he had reached out to me directly, we could have discussed things clearly,” Agarkar remarked, hinting that media speculation tends to amplify minor issues.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of transparency and consistency in team selection. Agarkar reaffirmed that no player, regardless of reputation, can bypass the fitness standards set by the BCCI. He emphasized that the current selection panel is determined to ensure that all decisions are made with the team’s long-term interests in mind. “Our goal is to build a squad that can perform across conditions and stay fit through demanding tours. That requires accountability from everyone,” he said.
Shami’s injury troubles have been well-documented since the 2023 World Cup. He underwent surgery on his ankle and missed several series afterward. Although he has been working on his rehabilitation and bowling in domestic nets, the selectors reportedly wanted him to prove his fitness over a sustained period before returning to international competition.
Agarkar’s remarks also hinted that Shami’s return is still very much possible once he regains full match fitness. “There’s no question about his ability. He’s a champion bowler and has won us many games. As soon as he’s fit, he’ll be back in the setup,”
