‘The quality and experience he brings…’ – Ajit Agarkar backs Mohammed Shami to come good after long hiatus due to injury

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been named in the ODI squads for series against England and Champions Trophy 2024. The 34-year-old is also part of the team that is set to play the five-match T20I series against England starting on 22nd January. Ajit Agarkar was asked about Shami’s inclusion in the side despite his latest fitness worries. 

Agarkar replied “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”. The 34-year-old last played for India during the ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad. 

The right-arm pacer has so far played 101 matches and picked 195 wickets. Shami has also taken fifers on five occasions with a best of 7/57 during the ODI World Cup semi-finals against New Zealand. Veteran pacer was the leading wicket-taker during the World Cup with 24 scalps from seven games with three fifers. 

Ajit Agarkar backs Mohammed Shami to come good

34-year-old Mohammed Shami made his cricketing return during the Ranji Trophy game against Madhya Pradesh. The pacer also played for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament and Vijay Hazare Trophy. Shami played nine games for Bengal and picked 11 wickets in the T20 format while picking five wickets from three games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. 

Ajit Agarkar during his chat with the media said “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 Shami is fit and playing regularly, the quality and the experience that he brings is invaluable”

India’s chief selector also 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."