India pacer Mohammed Shami did not hide his disappointment after he wasn't considered for Australia tour. As Shami faced continued snubs, he claimed that there has been no communication with him. He feels if he is fit to play Ranji Trophy, he can play international cricket. On the other hand, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that fitness has been a concern. Agarkar also assured that he will have conversation with the pacer about it. While the two are yet to reveal whether the phone call has happened, on October 26, the newly-appointed selector RP Singh had a length discussion at Eden Gardens, Kolkata where Bengal are facing Gujarat in their Ranji Trophy encounter.
"Newly-appointed selector RP Singh is at Eden Gardens for the Bengal vs Gujarat clash. The World T20 winner (T20 World Cup 2007) spoke to Shami at length after the day's play today," Sportskeeda said in their report.
What did Agarkar say about his communication with Shami?
Earlier, at an event, Agarkar said that he is unaware of Shami’s comments but he will give him a call. He chose not to make any comments and claimed that he has had conversations with the veteran pacer over the course of last few months. He went on to say that if the pacer was fit, he would have been part of the squad for Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 in England.
"I mean if he was here, I would probably do that. I am not quite sure what he said on social media. Maybe if I read that, I might give him a call but my phone is always on for all the players. I have had multiple chats with him over the last few months, but I don't want to try and give you a headline here. He has been an incredible performer for India. If he said something, maybe that is a conversation for me to have with him or him to have with me. But even before England, we said if he was fit, he would have been on the plane. Unfortunately, he wasn't, and our domestic season has just started," Agarkar had said at NDTV World Summit 2025.
Shami’s current form in Ranji Trophy
The 35-year-old pacer has been good form of late. Against Uttarakhand, he bagged seven wickets in Bengal's eight-wicket victory at home. In the ongoing match against Gujarat, he claimed three wickets, including two with the new ball. As Shahbaz Ahmed claimed a six-fer, Gujarat were bowled out for 167.