Mohammed Shami cools tensions with Ajit Agarkar after match-winning spell in Ranji: ‘I am always involved in controversy’

Mohammed Shami has decided to scale down in the ongoing war of words with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar as he sent another reminder of his pace bowling prowess with a match-winning eight-wicket spell in the Ranji Trophy clash against Gujarat at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.

Shami and Agarkar had been engaged in a heated verbal battle recently, with the selector claiming that Bengal pacer is not fully fit for international cricket and the 35-year-old cricketer claiming otherwise.

Shami tries to calm things with Agarkar

However, after another top performance in domestic cricket, Shami decided to term his spat with Agarkar as a “misunderstanding.”

“I am always involved in some controversy, thanks to you guys (laughs). It’s a misunderstanding…,” Shami told reporters on Tuesday.

Shami, however, reiterated that he is ready to play for India once again. He last played for the national team in the Champions Trophy 2025 in March.

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“A lot of hard work is there, and I believe luck too plays a part. Every person wants to play for the country. So, I am ready for that (again),” Shami said.

“My motivation is to stay fit and be available for the Indian team at all times. On the ground, I will continue to perform and the rest is on the selectors’ hands,” he said.

Having suffered an ankle injury at the 2023 World Cup, Shami was out of international cricket for over a year. His comeback has also been cut short, but the fast bowler is determined that he still has a lot to offer.

“It’s a relief. Mentally, physically, it feels very good because you are coming back from such a difficult time and then you stay on the ground after that. Now it feels like cricket is still there (left in me),” he said.

Shami also thanked the Bengal Ranji team for backing him in a difficult time. “I played a match against MP 11 months ago, and I am playing this match now. I feel good, but the important thing is that your team is with you at this time, when you are competing,” he said.