India pacer Mohammed Shami has yet again been snubbed from the team selection, this time for the white-ball series against Australia, starting on October 19. The fast bowler, who last featured for India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final game against New Zealand, has been struggling with fitness issues, though he played the IPL 2025 season for SRH, and also turned up for Bengal in domestic cricket.
Breaking his silence on the continued rejection, the 35-year-old addressed the rumors and speculation on his YouTube channel.
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"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," he said.
Shami also gave a message to his fans that he is in top-notch fitness shape, dismissing massive speculations around his non-selection being due to fitness.
"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," Shame added.
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Aakash Chopra feels the lack of match practice main reason for Shami being overlooked
Despite Shami assuring to fans about his fitness and form, former cricketer Aakash Chopra said that his return to the national team may be due to a lack of match practice.
"I feel it won't be good because if his name has not come now, the chances of his name coming in India are very less in any case... He is playing domestic cricket, and he has asked people why they are after him if he wants to play, and that is absolutely fine," Chopra said.
While the expert acknowledged the pacer's talent and his contributions in India's numerous wins across formats, the former opening batter feels Shami has fallen behind in the race for India's fast bowling spots.
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"His name can come, but the chances have become very less, unless there is an incredible IPL," he added.
