New Delhi: India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar has responded to Mohammed Shami’s angry reaction after the veteran fast bowler was excluded from the upcoming ODI series against Australiawhich is set to begin in Perth on October 19.

Shami recently featured in Bengal’s opening Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand, and had questioned the selectors’ decision. The pacer said that selection is not in his hands, but if there’s a fitness issue, he should not be here playing for Bengal.

Shami further added that he doesn’t want to create a controversy, but if he can play four-day matches, then he can also play 50-over cricket.

‘I have had multiple chats with him over the last few months’: Agarkar

Ajit Agarkar responded to the pacer’s statement, saying that he wasn’t aware of what Shami had said on social media. The chief selector added that if Shami directly says it to him, he will give him an answer.

“Maybe if I read that, I might give him a call but my phone is always on for most players. I have had multiple chats with him over the last few months, but I don’t want to try and give you a headline here,” Agarkar said at the NDTV World Summit 2025.

Agarkar further added that Shami has been an incredible performer for India, and he will have a conversation with him. He also said that the selectors will find out about Shami’s fitness after a couple of Ranji matches.

“If he does stay fit over the next few months, the story might be different. But at this point, as far as I know, he wasn’t fit enough for that England tour,” he added.

The fast bowler last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand and has not played since then. He started the tournament with a stunning five-wicket haul against Bangladesh, but struggled for consistency after that. He got his rhythm back in the semifinal and picked up three wickets against Australia.

His exclusion from the ODI series against Australia raised questions about India’s approach towards managing senior pacers, but Agarkar’s comments have added clarity to the selection debate.