Quality and experience he brings is invaluable – Ajit Agarkar on Mohammed Shami

India received a major boost to their bowling department ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy as Mohammed Shami was included in the squad after being announced as a part of the T20I squad against England too. Shami has been out of international action for more than a year now as his last international game was the 2023 ICC World Cup final against Australia.

Shami impressed heavily for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, registering decent numbers to rivet the attention of the selectors again. Recurrent injuries proved to be a major challenge for the Indian ace quick but BCCI’s chief selector believes that Shami is a lot fitter now and will be a valuable addition to the Indian squad.

Talking in the press-conference after announcing the Champions Trophy, Agarkar said, “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. 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 (Bumrah) as well, if he (Shami) is fit and playing regularly, the quality and the experience that he brings is invaluable.”

He further added, “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.”