Shami Snubbed for AUS ODIs, Hits Back with 7 Wickets; Agarkar Stands Firm on 'Fitness'

So, you think Mohammed Shami is done? The selectors might, but Shami just sent a message that’s impossible to ignore. After being controversially dropped from the ODI squad against Australia due to ‘fitness concerns,’ he just let his bowling do all the talking in the Ranji Trophy.

Key Takeaways

Mohammed Shami was dropped from India’s ODI squad for the Australia series, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar citing fitness issues.
Shami publicly challenged this, stating he was fully fit and ready to play.
Playing for Bengal, Shami took 7 wickets against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy opener.
His performance, bowling nearly 40 overs, earned him the Player of the Match award.
Experts like AB de Villiers suggest India might be moving towards younger bowlers, prioritizing workload management.

What’s All the Drama About?

Here’s the thing. The whole situation exploded on October 17 when chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Shami’s exclusion from the upcoming Australia ODI series was purely down to fitness. But Shami wasn’t having any of it. Just a day earlier, on October 16, he publicly stated he was perfectly fit and ready for the 50-over game. Talk about a public disagreement.

It’s a classic case of he-said, she-said between a veteran player and the selection committee. And honestly, it puts fans in a tough spot. Who do you believe?

Shami’s Fiery On-Field Reply

Instead of just talking, Shami went out and proved his point. Representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 opener against Uttarakhand, he was absolutely on fire. He didn’t just play; he dominated.

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Shami bowled nearly 40 overs in the match, a serious test of stamina, and came away with a stunning 7-wicket haul. He grabbed 3 wickets in the first innings and followed it up with a fiery 4-fer in the second. This performance didn’t just win Bengal the match by eight wickets, it also won him the Player of the Match award. It was a clear, bold statement to the selectors.

Expert Analysis: A Brutal Reality Check?

So, what’s really going on? Former South African legend AB de Villiers chimed in on October 15, offering a different perspective. He suggested that Shami might have lost a bit of pace and that the Indian team management is looking to the future. With his age at 35 and past injuries, they might be managing his workload.

Look, it makes some sense. The selectors are giving chances to younger pacers like Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, building a team for the long run. But dropping a player of Shami’s caliber, especially when he claims he’s fit, is always going to cause a stir.

The Social Media Storm

You can bet this whole episode has ignited a firestorm online. Fans are split. Some are backing Shami, calling his Ranji performance the ultimate comeback. Others are defending the selectors’ decision to invest in youth and manage the workload of a senior player. The debate is raging, and Shami’s 7-wicket haul just added a ton of fuel to the fire.

What Happens Next?

Shami has made his point loud and clear on the pitch. He’s fit, he’s taking wickets, and he’s hungry for more. But will this incredible performance be enough to change the selectors’ minds? The Indian team seems focused on a new generation of fast bowlers.

While Shami was tearing it up, other players like Ishan Kishan (173 for Jharkhand) and Rinku Singh (165* for Uttar Pradesh) were also making headlines in the Ranji Trophy. The domestic circuit is buzzing with talent. The real question is, has India truly moved on from one of its most reliable pacers? What do you think?

Shami Snubbed for AUS ODIs, Hits Back with 7 Wickets; Agarkar Stands Firm on ‘Fitness’

Key Takeaways

What’s All the Drama About?