Indian pacer Mohammed Shami took a dig at the national selectors on Tuesday for leaving him off of the white-ball tour of Australia, claiming that his participation in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal shows that he is fit and that it is not his job to inform the panel of this.
After the 2023 World Cup, Shami, who last played for India in the Champions Trophy victory and finished as the nation’s leading wicket-taker with Varun Chakravarthy, had to have surgery to treat recurrent knee and ankle ailments. After playing in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023, the 35-year-old has been absent from the Indian Test team.
Speaking to reporters on the eve of Bengal’s Ranji opener against Uttarakhand at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Shami said, “I have said this before. Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal.”
When asked about his omission from India’s limited-overs squad for the Australian tour beginning on 19 October, Shami responded, “I think I do not need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-overs cricket.”
Shami emphasized that providing the selectors with an update on his fitness is not his responsibility. Following the announcement of the team for the Australia series, Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, had said he had no information regarding Shami’s fitness.
Bluntly referring to the established norms that require the CoE to issue fitness certificates, Shami said, “About giving an update, it’s not my responsibility to give an update or ask for an update. It’s not my job to give updates on my fitness. My job is to go to the NCA (National Cricket Academy), prepare and play matches. Woh unki baat hai unko kaun update deta hai, kisne nahin diya (That’s their matter who gives them updates or not). It’s not my responsibility.”
The veteran pacer, who took 24 wickets in seven games in India’s runner-up finish in the 2023 World Cup, had surgery to repair his Achilles tendon after suffering a heel ailment. Due to persistent knee pain, he was overlooked for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. However, he went on to play a key part in India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign in March of this year.
The Bengal pacer, who returned to action this season while playing for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, claimed that he has been match-ready for a while and has adhered to the proper procedure following surgery and rehabilitation.
Shami is optimistic but realistic despite the transition the Indian squad is going through.
“I always say that you should select the best for your country. It’s a matter of the country. The country should win. We should all be happy. That’s what I always say,” he said.
“Keep fighting, keep playing games. If you perform well, it will benefit you as well. 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,” he added.
Reflecting on the challenges of consistency in cricket, Shami said, “I also don’t want to play in pain or make the team suffer. I wanted to come back after the operation and make a strong comeback. I am trying to do the same. I am ready to go whenever they (selectors) want me to go.”
Describing the Ranji Trophy as a true test for cricketers, the significance of domestic cricket was emphasized by Shami, who has played for India in 64 Test matches, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is.
“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,” he said.
“If there is a condition that you would be in the team if you perform in Ranji Trophy, then there is nothing wrong in that. No doubt, you should perform,” Shami added.
