‘My Phone is Always On’: Agarkar Hits Back at Shami Amid Fitness Row Over Australia Snub
The controversy surrounding Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from India’s white-ball squads for the upcoming Australia series is intensifying, with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar publicly responding to the veteran pacer’s recent comments.
India is scheduled to play three ODIs, starting October 19 in Perth, followed by five T20Is against Australia.
The selection committee faced criticism for picking young pacer Harshit Rana over the 35-year-old Shami for the ODIs. Reports subsequently emerged that Shami was ignored due to fitness concerns. This was seemingly confirmed when Agarkar, after the squad announcement, stated he had “no update” on Shami’s fitness status.
Shami, who is currently playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, quickly dismissed these concerns. He quipped that it was not his responsibility to update everyone about his fitness.
🚨Mohammed Shami thrashed Ajit Agarkar over non-selection.
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) October 14, 2025
– Shami said, "I played CT2025, IPL2025, Duleep Trophy & I am in good touch".
– Then reporter asked, "Agarkar said, we have no updates on Shami".
– Shami replied, "if you want update then you got to ask for it, it is… pic.twitter.com/pHy9XAiMQX
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Agarkar directly addressed Shami’s remark. “If he says that to me, I will probably answer that… I might give him a call but my phone is always on for most players,” Agarkar said, adding he has had “multiple chats” with Shami in recent months.
The chief selector was clear on the reason for the pacer’s exclusion. “He (Shami) has been an incredible performer for India… But even before England, we said if he was fit, he would have been on that plane. Unfortunately, he wasn’t.”
Agarkar reiterated that Shami would have been selected for the Australia series if he was deemed fully fit. He added that with the domestic season just starting, selectors will be closely monitoring Shami’s performance in the Ranji Trophy.
“If he is bowling well, why would you not want to have someone like a Shami?” Agarkar concluded.
Shami last played ODI cricket for India in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for the team with nine wickets. He also participated in the IPL and Duleep Trophy.
