Mohammad Shami speaks on Australia ODIs snub; ends debate on captaincy between Rohit and Gill

Mohammad Shami last played for India in Champions Trophy 2025.

Pacer Mohammad Shami has opened up about rumors of his impending retirement over fitness and form issues. This comes after the speedster was snubbed from the recent Indian squad announced for the Australia tour. Shami wasn’t included in the ODIs or the T20Is squad.

Shami’s last India appearance came in Dubai, against New Zealand, in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which the Indian team won.

A BCCI official recently told a publication that Shami's chances of returning to Team India are becoming increasingly difficult.

The BCCI official stated that Shami's pace and performance in the Duleep Trophy were not at their best, and that, given his age, a return to the Men In Blue is doubtful.

"There have been many rumors and memes. 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," Shami said on his YouTube channel.

"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,” he stated.

Recently, Mohammad Shami was included in the Bengal squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy tournament. Shami also wasn’t included in the Indian squad for the England Tests, as he reportedly wasn’t up to fitness as required.

Shami also discussed Rohit Sharma being replaced as ODI captain by Shubman Gill. He believed that Gill becoming captain of the Indian team in place of Rohit Sharma was a process that we should all embrace and move on from, rather than dwelling on the past.

"Bahut hi zyada memes ban rahe hai is sawaal ko leke (There have been a lot of memes on this question). I feel there should not be any objection. This is the decision of the BCCI, selectors, and coaches. Shubman captained India in England, and he is the skipper of the Gujarat Titans as well. So, he has the experience. Someone had to be given this responsibility, and the BCCI chose Shubman Gill for that, so we should accept it. People should not raise questions over the captaincy. This is not in our hands. Someone is the captain today, and there will be someone else tomorrow. This cycle will continue," Shami said.

Bengal will face Uttarakhand in their first match of the Ranji Trophy starting on 15 October.