NEW DELHI: Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has sharply refuted the latest comments from Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar regarding his fitness status, challenging the narrative that has kept him out of the national squad.
Ajit Agarkar on Mohammed Shami’s omission: 'If he was fit, he’d be in the team'
Speaking after the third day of Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand, the 35-year-old paceman pointed directly to his domestic performance as evidence that he is ready for international duty, stating simply:
"Let him say whatever he wants. You’ve witnessed how I bowled. It’s all in front of your eyes to judge."
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Earlier in the day, Agarkar, speaking at the NDTV World Summit, stated the reason for Shami's non-inclusion, clearly linking the bowler's absence to his physical condition:
"If Mohammed Shami was fit, he'd be in the team."
Agarkar acknowledged Shami’s value to the team but reiterated the committee’s position regarding his current physical condition:
“He has been an incredible performer for India. But even before England we said if he was fit, he would have been in the plane. Unfortunately, he wasn't and our domestic season has just started. We will see if he is fit enough and where it goes.”
Shami has not played for India since the Champions Trophy final, missing both the preceding Test series against England and the current ODI series against Australia.
