“Not In My Hands”: Mohammed Shami Opens Up After Australia Tour Snub

Mohammed Shami responded to his exclusion from India’s ODI squad for the Australia series, stressing that selection is not in his control

Mohammed Shami played all five matches for Team India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps. Despite his impressive performance in India’s last 50-over series, the veteran pacer has been left out of the squad for the upcoming ODIs against Australia. In his place, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have made their return to the team.

Shami’s omission from the ODI squad has raised several questions about his future in international cricket. The 35-year-old pacer from Amroha has not featured in a Test match since July 2023 and is also not part of India’s T20I setup.

Mohammed Shami on Australia Snub

On Wednesday, Shami addressed the situation through a video on his YouTube channel, breaking his silence after being dropped from the ODI team. According to him, team selection is not in his hands, but he remains fully prepared to represent India whenever called upon.

“There have been many rumours and memes. Getting selected in the team 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 that I need more time, it’s their call. I am ready to play if I am called up,” Shami said on his YouTube channel.

The senior fast bowler, who has taken more than 200 wickets for India in both Tests and ODIs, assured fans that his fitness remains strong.

“My fitness is also good. I will try to do better because when you are away from the ground, you need to remain motivated,” Shami added.

“When 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,” Shami added.

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After being left out of the white-ball series in Australia, Shami will turn his focus to domestic cricket. The Bengal Cricket Association confirmed that he will play in the 2025-26 edition of the Ranji Trophy. Shami has been included in the Bengal squad alongside Akash Deep.

Abhimanyu Easwaran will lead the side, while wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel has been named as vice-captain. Bengal will begin their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign on October 15 at Eden Gardens against Uttarakhand.

Last Updated on October 9, 2025