Ajit Agarkar Reflects On Mohammed Shami's Comeback: The Quality And Experience He Brings Is Invaluable

Ajit Agarkar Reflects On Mohammed Shami's Comeback: The Quality And Experience He Brings Is Invaluable (Source: PTI)

Mohammed Shami is all set to make a return to ODI cricket after he was included in the India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. Shami was sidelined due to injury he picked up in the ODI World Cup 2023. He returned to cricket recently and played for Baroda in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy. Speculations were rife that Shami would join the Indian team in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but he wasn't called in, with Rohit Sharma citing fresh swelling in his knees.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar reflected on Mohammed Shami's comeback to the ODI team and also addressed queries about his snub from the Australia tour. Agarkar said they wanted to take Shami in the India squad, however, he had swelling in his knees which did not make it possible for them to pick him for five-day cricket. Agarkar said Shami's fitness was never a concern in white ball cricket where he has to bowl a maximum of 10 overs, but in Test matches, the fitness demands are significantly higher.

"I don't think his fitness was anything to do with white-ball cricket anyway. We were trying to get him to Australia. Unfortunately, his knee didn't allow him to play four-day or five-day cricket,” Agarkar told media.

"With regards to white-ball, I think he has played most of the Syed Mushtaq Ali games and some of the Vijay Hazare games. With uncertainty around Jassi as well, if he (Shami) is fit and playing regularly, the quality and the experience that he brings is invaluable,” he added.

Shami was also included in the India squad for the T20I series against England and Agarkar hoped that the pacer would gain steam in the preceding games and enter the Champions Trophy at peak fitness and form.

"To get him involved in T20is is precisely because of that. To get him back into international cricket and play under pressure. Even though it's T20I cricket, it will be high-intensity. He has got quality. If he was fit, he was always going to be part of the discussion. We are hoping he comes through these games and by the time the Champions Trophy comes, he is 100 percent,” Agarkar said.

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