Mohammed Shami Out Of India’s Sight As Ajit Agarkar Drops Massive Fitness Update

Mohammed Shami’s absence from India’s Test and ODI squads against Afghanistan has sparked fresh debate after chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that the veteran pacer is currently fit enough to play only T20 cricket.

Former India cricketer and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar opened up on Mohammed Shami’s omission from India’s squads for the upcoming one-off Test and three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Despite the absence of senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, the selectors decided not to include Shami and instead handed opportunities to younger names such as Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav.

Shami last represented India during the 2025 Champions Trophy after returning from a long injury layoff. However, he has remained out of India’s plans for major bilateral assignments since then.

Speaking at the press conference after the squad announcement, Agarkar made it clear that concerns around Shami’s fitness played a major role behind the decision.

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“As far as we have been told, at this point, his body is allowing him to play T20s. I know he has played a domestic season this year. But the information that I have got is that at this point, it is T20s that he is sort of ready for,” Agarkar said while speaking at the press conference.

“So, there was no discussion regarding him,” Agarkar added.

Mohammed Shami Previously Hit Back At Fitness Concerns

Shami had earlier expressed frustration regarding the lack of clarity from the Indian team management over his fitness status. The veteran fast bowler had strongly dismissed suggestions that he was not physically ready for international cricket.

“Let him (Agarkar) say whatever he wants. You have seen how I bowled. It’s all in front of your eyes,” Shami had said last year.

The comments had highlighted growing tension around Shami’s international future, especially after repeated exclusions despite his recovery from injury.

Shami Continues IPL 2026 Campaign Amid Uncertainty

Mohammed Shami is currently featuring in IPL 2026, where he has picked up 10 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 8.81. Although the numbers may not fully reflect his impact, the experienced pacer has continued to remain a crucial figure with the new ball.

Interestingly, Shami also missed Lucknow Super Giants’ clash against Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, though no official reason was provided by the franchise. Mohsin Khan replaced him in the playing XI.

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India’s selectors have clearly prioritised workload management and long-term fitness planning ahead of a packed international calendar. However, Shami’s omission from both the Test and ODI squads has once again raised major questions regarding communication between the player and the Indian management.