Mohammed Shami hits out at reports on his form and fitness after ODI team snub: ‘There have been many rumours’

Mohammed Shami has hit back at reports that the 35-year-old pacer might be inching towards the end of his international career, as he was once again snubbed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors for the upcoming tour of Australia. Shami hasn’t played for India since the Champions Trophy 2025 final and a BCCI official recently told a newspaper that it’s getting ‘increasingly tougher’ for Shami to return to Team India.

The BCCI official pointed out that Shami’s pace and performance in the Duleep Trophy weren’t at their best and with his growing age, a comeback to the Men In Blue looks highly unlikely.

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Shami clarifies his fitness after ODI selection snub

Hitting back at the reports and rumours around his form and fitness, Shami clarified on his YouTube channel that he doesn’t have any fitness issues, but selection is not in his control.

“There have been many rumors and memes. People want to know my opinion on the non-selection for the Australia series. I will just say that getting selected is not in my hands; it’s the job of the selection committee, coach, and captain. If they feel I should be there, they will select me, or if they feel some more time is needed, it’s in their hands. I am ready and practicing,” Shami said on his YouTube channel.

“My fitness is also good. I will try to do better because when you are away from the ground, you need to remain motivated. I played in the Duleep Trophy. I felt very comfortable, my rhythm was good, and I bowled around 35 overs. There are no issues with my fitness.”

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Shami wants people to stop questioning Gill

Shami also spoke on Rohit Sharma being replaced as the ODI captain by Shubman Gill. He felt that Gill getting the command of the team is a cyclical process that we all need to accept and move on, rather than living in the past.

“Bahut hi zyada memes ban rahe hai is sawal ko leke (There have been a lot of memes on this question). I feel there should not be any objection. This is the decision of the BCCI, selectors, and coaches. Shubman captained India in England, and he is the skipper of the Gujarat Titans as well. So, he has the experience. Someone had to be given this responsibility, and the BCCI chose Shubman Gill for that, so we should accept it,” Shami said.

“People should not raise questions over the captaincy. This is not in our hands. Someone is the captain today, and there will be someone else tomorrow. This cycle will continue.”

Shami is next expected to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, with the first match against Uttarakhand starting on 15 October.