Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami made a sarcastic remark directed toward the national selection committee on Tuesday after he was excluded from India's forthcoming white-ball tour of Australia - saying that his playing Bengal in a Ranji Trophy match is enough to prove his fitness. An important member of the Indian side that competed in the recent Champions Trophy and India's leading wicket-taker alongside Varun Chakravarthy, Shami said updating the selectors with evidence of his fitness is not his responsibility. Shami, 35, has continued to deal with injuries to his knees and ankle that required surgery following the 2023 World Cup, and has not played for India's Test side since the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.

Shami addressed the issue ahead of Bengal's Ranji opener against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens, stating, “Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn't be here playing for Bengal. I think I do not need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers, I can also play 50-overs cricket.”

“Fitness updates are not my responsibility” : Mohammed Shami

The seasoned pacer also clarified that providing updates to the selectors is not part of his job, pointing out that the CoE (Centre of Excellence) is responsible for issuing fitness certificates. “My job is to go to the NCA, prepare, and play matches. Woh unki baat hai unko kaun update deta hai, kisne nahin diya. It's not my responsibility,” Shami said bluntly.

Shami, who recovered from a heel injury and Achilles surgery, has followed the proper rehabilitation and match preparation protocols. Despite missing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia due to knee soreness, he played a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year.

Highlighting the importance of domestic cricket, Shami said, “In the old days, Ranji Trophy was a big level for anyone. But today, we have a platform, and you think it's an 'insult' to go back to play junior cricket like Ranji Trophy. I don’t think so. You should play four-day cricket. If there is a condition that you would be in the team if you perform in the Ranji Trophy, then there is nothing wrong with that.”

Shami emphasized a pragmatic approach to selection, saying, “Keep fighting, keep playing games. Selection is not in my hands. I can only prepare and play matches. I’ve no objection… If you don’t select me, then I will come here and play for Bengal. I’ve no issue with it. I am ready to go whenever they want me to go.”

(With PTI Inputs)