‘Fitness does not have anything to do with white-ball cricket’ - Ajit Agarkar on Mohammed Shami’s inclusion in CT 2025 squad

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) announced the Indian team’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 on January 18. Much to the fans’ delight, star pacer Mohammed Shami has been included in the 15-member unit for the marquee event.

Notably, Shami has been out of action ever since the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 due to injury. However, he has managed to make a stellar comeback and has put in some good performances in recent in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 and the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.

Talking of a risk with Shami’s inclusion in the squad, the BCCI’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar reckoned that Shami’s fitness was not a factor in white-ball tournaments. 

"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.

Also Read: How does India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad compares with ODI World Cup 2023 squad?

Shami has got quality: Ajit Agarkar

Furthermore, Agarkar pointed out how including Shami in white-ball squads could prove to be helpful, as the star pacer will be playing under pressure once more, and that if he had been fit beforehand, he would have been included a long time ago. 

"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.