Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami hasn’t played for India for eight months, despite playing a pivotal role in the 2025 Champions Trophy win in March. Shami recently voiced frustration over the selectors’ lack of communication after being left out of the squad for India’s white-ball tour of Australia. In reaction to Shami’s comments, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that Shami was omitted from the squad due to concerns over his fitness.

“If he was here, I would have that conversation with him. I’m not sure what he said, but if I read it, I might give him a call. My phone is always open for the players. I’ve had several discussions with him over the past few months, but I don’t want to create any headlines here. He’s been an outstanding performer for India. Even before the England series, we mentioned that if he was fit, he would have been on the flight. Unfortunately, he wasn’t, and our domestic season has just kicked off,” Agarkar had said at the NDTV World Summit 2025.

After Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy match between Bengal and Gujarat on Sunday, former India pacer RP Singh, who was added to the Agarkar-led selection committee last month, reportedly had a detailed conversation with Shami, according to Sportskeeda.

“Following the recent media exchange between Ajit Agarkar and Mohammad Shami, newly-appointed selector RP Singh was present at Eden Gardens for the Bengal vs Gujarat match. According to the report, the 2007 World T20 winner had a long conversation with Shami after the day’s play.”

Earlier this month, Shami picked up seven wickets to help Bengal secure an eight-wicket win over Uttarakhand.