Mohammed Shami (Source: AFP)
Mohammed Shami has dismissed all rumours surrounding his fitness. The 35-year-old clarified that he is fully fit and match-ready, just days after BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinted at Shami's absence from the Indian team.
Once a regular across all three formats for India, Shami has been absent from the squad in recent months. He was not included in India’s squad for the ongoing home Tests against West Indies, neither he has been included in the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. Many believed fitness concerns is the reason, but Shami has now spoken out.
Veteran pacer confirms he is fit and ready
In a video on his YouTube channel, Mohammed Shami addressed the growing speculation around his fitness - "My fitness is also good. I will try to do better because when you are away from the ground, you need to remain motivated. I played in the Duleep Trophy. I felt very comfortable, my rhythm was good, and I bowled around 35 overs. There are no issues with my fitness,” he said.
Earlier at the time of revealing squad for the Australian tour Agarkar, addressed the media, and mentioned that there had been no recent updates about Shami in recent years.
"I don't have an update. I think he has not played a lot of cricket in the last 2-3 years. I think he's played one match for Bengal and one for the Duleep Trophy. So as a performer, we know what he can do, but he will need to play some cricket," Agarkar had said.
Shami named In Bengal squad
In a recent development, Mohammed Shami has been named in Bengal’s 17-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26. Abhimanyu Easwaran will lead the team, but all eyes will be on Shami, and it will be interesting to see whether the ace pacer will deliver with the ball and can he impress the selectors for an India comeback.
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