A nationwide controversy erupted over Mohammed Shami’s absence from the Indian team. The situation intensified after chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s comments on Shami’s “fitness updates” and the pacer’s sharp response. Yet Shami has remained unwavering in one aspect his commitment to working hard, whether in matches or in the nets.
Now, chances of seeing Shami back in the national side are increasing. Reports suggest he may return to the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming series against South Africa. Earlier this year, the Bengal pacer played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy victory. But after that, he found no place in coach Gautam Gambhir’s setup. Injuries had kept him out, but even after regaining full fitness, he wasn’t recalled. Agarkar had stated he had “no updates” on Shami’s fitness, to which Shami retorted that it’s the selectors’ duty to keep track not the bowler’s.
To push for a comeback, Shami returned to play Ranji Trophy for Bengal. In four matches, he has bowled 145.2 overs and taken 20 wickets. In the last match against Assam alone, he bowled 52.2 overs across two innings. He has delivered multiple 7–8 over spells, with his pace and accuracy fully intact. Former chief selector Chetan Sharma, present in the commentary box at Eden Gardens, remarked, “If he’s unfit, how is he bowling like this?”
BCCI selector Rudra Pratap Singh was also present at the Gujarat match in Eden. Many expected Shami to be considered for the South Africa Test series, but that didn’t happen. However, there remains a realistic chance that he may be picked for the three-match ODI series starting 30 November.
