If I can play Duleep Trophy, why not T20s?: Mohammed Shami sends blunt message to BCCI selectors after Asia Cup snub
Mohammed Shami was dropped from the Indian squad for the five-match Test series against England and was also not picked for the Asia Cup 2025. He is now set to play in the Duleep Trophy.
New Delhi: Mohammed Shami's absence from India's squad in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was cited as one of the main reasons for the team's 3-1 defeat against Australia earlier this year. It resulted in a massive anticipation among fans for his return to the team, but he was again not picked for the five-match Test series against England, which ended at 2-2.
He was also dropped from the Asia Cup squad, which is set to begin on September 9 in the UAE. Shami is set to feature in the Duleep Trophy and said that he is fit enough to play in the Asia Cup as well.
"If I can play the Duleep Trophy, then why won’t I be able to play T20 cricket?" Shami is quoted as saying by News24 Sports. The pacer further added that he doesn’t blame anyone for non-selection or complain about it.
"If I’m right for the team, select me; if I’m not, then I have no issues with it. Selectors have the responsibility to do what’s best for Team India. I have a belief in my abilities that if and when I’m granted an opportunity, I’ll give my best. I’m working hard,” he said.
Shami’s long road to recovery
Shami played a key role in India’s sensational campaign during the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets in just seven matches with a stunning average of 10.70. However, he picked up an ankle injury and played with the pain during the tournament. The fast bowler then underwent surgery and recovered from knee issues, missing the entire 2024 domestic and international matches in the process.
He was an important part of the Indian Test team, but his last match in the format remains the 2023 World Test Championship final. He played only one Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November last year.
The pacer also talked about his retirement, and said that if someone has a problem, then they can tell him.
"Tell me whose life have I become a rock in that you want me to retire? The day I get bored, I will leave. You don’t pick me, but I will keep working hard. You don’t pick me in international, I will play domestic. I will keep playing somewhere or the other. You have to make these decisions when you start feeling bored. That is not the time for me now," Shami said.