When the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee announced India’s white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of Australia on Saturday (October 4), there was a notable omission in it.

Senior pacer Mohammad Shami was overlooked for the tour Down Under, where the Men in Blue will play three ODIs and five T20Is from October 19 to November 8.

While Shami remains optimistic about his chances as he eyes the Ranji Trophy route to earn India call-up, the BCCI isn't quite keen to go back to the veteran campaigner, especially after his underwhelming display in the Duleep Trophy last month.

Days after being left out of the Asia Cup 2025 squad last month, Shami had expressed his desire to make a return to the national team with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Earlier this year, he played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, claiming nine wickets in five games at an average of 25.89.

However, when Agarkar was asked about the fast bowler during the squad announcement presser for the Australia tour, the chief selector said he had "no update" regarding Shami.

Now, a report published in The Telegraph claims that the BCCI is unlikely to recall Shami, not only because he is 35 years old but also due to his declining performances.

"At this moment, it's getting increasingly tougher for Shami to return to the Indian team. In the Duleep game too, he wasn't too impressive, barring one odd spell.

"Besides, he isn't getting any younger, while pace-wise, too, he didn't seem to be at his best in Duleep. But to continue in the IPL, he has to play a decent amount of domestic games," a BCCI official quoted as saying by the leading daily.

The report, however, stated that Shami has made himself available for Bengal's Ranji Trophy campaign, slated to begin on October 15 against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens.

"I had spoken to Shami six-seven days back, and he had expressed his desire to play. So, on our front, we're optimistic as far as his availability (in the Ranji opener) is concerned," Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said.

However, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) will take the final call when the members will meet to decide the Bengal squad for the opening few games on Tuesday.

"We'll sit with Laxmi and discuss all the related aspects most likely on Tuesday," a senior CAB official said.