Overview

• After Ajit Agarkar said he wasn’t 100% fit, Shami told reporters at Eden Gardens, “Let him say whatever he wants… you have seen how I bowled.”
• Agarkar reiterated that Shami would have toured if fit, citing multiple recent conversations with the pacer and saying he may call him to discuss the comments.
• Shami took 3-37 in the first innings and 4-38 in the second, bowling 39.3 overs in total, to set up Bengal’s eight-wicket victory over Uttarakhand in Kolkata.
• India’s squads for the Australia tour are unchanged, and reporting frames Shami’s fitness and domestic performances in the coming weeks as decisive for any recall during the home South Africa series.
• The dispute follows Shami’s ankle surgery in February 2024, intermittent returns, and a poor IPL 2025, with selectors emphasizing medical clearance and fitness over reputation.