'If I'm fit for Duleep Trophy, why not T20?': Mohammed Shami on Asia Cup snub

Mohammed Shami breaks silence on Asia Cup snub. (PTI Photo)

Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami responded to his exclusion from the 2025 Asia Cup. For the continental tournament, India selected five bowling specialists, including three fast bowlers led by Jasprit Bumrah. Shami, however, was left out of both the 15-man team and the reserves.

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. While he took three wickets in the Wankhede match against England, he went wicketless in his comeback match in Rajkot.

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But with Sunrisers Hyderabad, the 35-year-old had a lacklustre 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.

Shami was then overlooked for the Asia Cup and, allegedly, the Test series against England because of fitness concerns. The senior bowler disclosed that he will be participating in the Duleep Trophy, which starts on Thursday, despite the fact that his exclusion was presumed to be due to fitness concerns.

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"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 whether he was 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 prove 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 a 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 per cent. 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.