“I have no issues with it” - Mohammad Shami says selectors know the best on Asia Cup 2025 snub

One of the biggest names missing from the recent Asia Cup 2025 Indian squad was Mohammad Shami. Ever since returning to action in the Champions Trophy 2025, Shami has been struggling with fitness issues.

This was one of the reasons why Mohammad Shami was left out of the Indian squad for the England tour recently. But the pacer has gained full fitness and is currently playing in the Duleep Trophy 2025 for the East Zone team.

Meanwhile, India picked up three pacers for the Asia Cup 2025: Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, with Hardik Pandya for support. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy were the two specialist spinners.

Shami was left out of both the reserves and the 15-man squad. Earlier this year, during the home series against England, Shami made his T20I comeback. He hadn't played in the format since the 2022 T20 World Cup; therefore, this was his first appearance in three years.

“If I can play the Duleep Trophy, why not T20?” – Mohammad Shami on not being picked in the Asia Cup squad

With Sunrisers Hyderabad, the 35-year-old had a lackluster IPL 2025 season, taking just six wickets at an economy rate of 11.23 in nine games. During the campaign, he was even benched for a few games.

While his omission was assumed to be on fitness grounds, the senior bowler revealed that he is set to feature in the Duleep Trophy, which begins on Thursday.

"I don't blame anyone for non-selection or complain about it. If I'm right for the team, select me; if I'm not, then I have no issues with it. Selectors have the responsibility to do what's best for Team India. I have a belief in my abilities that if and when I'm granted an opportunity, I'll give my best. I'm working hard,” he told News24 Sports.

When asked if he was indeed available for the Asia Cup, Shami questioned: "If I can play the Duleep Trophy, then why won't I be able to play T20 cricket?”

Shami will try to show himself in the Duleep Trophy, especially with the home Test series against the West Indies coming up, even though he missed the Australia and England tours because of fitness concerns.

Even though he recently passed the Bronco fitness exam in Bengaluru before the event, he acknowledged that he has limited chance of returning to India.

"Right now, I don't have any hope (about my international return). If they play me, I'll try to perform and give my 100 percent. Whether they play me or not, that's not in my hands. If I'm playing the Duleep Trophy, five-day cricket, I'm available for all formats. I was called to Bengaluru, and I have cleared the fitness test (Bronco), and now I’m ready to go back," Shami added.

Mohammad Shami has 229 Test, 206 ODI, and 27 T20I wickets.

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