"You people have already made me the villain" - Mohammad Shami’s big statement on selection controversy after Ranji Trophy 2025-26 heroics

Veteran Team India pacer Mohammad Shami has reacted to the controversy around his non-selection and his comments on chief selector Ajit Agarkar that grabbed headlines. The fast bowler smiled and explained that words always get twisted on social media and asserted that he is looking to perform well on the field.

Shami claimed eight wickets in Bengal's 141-run win over Gujarat at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday, October 28. The 35-year-old registered figures of 3-44 in the first innings and 5-38 in the second. Set a target of 327, Gujarat were bowled out for 185 in 45.5 overs.

The fast bowler's impressive performance came on the back of his war of words with BCCI chief selector Agarkar in the media. While the latter urged the pacer to play more games, Shami pointed out that his performance is there for everyone to see. He was also quoted as saying in media reports that it was not his job to give the selectors updates on his fitness.

At a post-match press conference following Bengal's triumph over Gujarat, Shami was well-prepared when a question over the controversy was posed to him. He smiled and cheekily replied:

“Yes, I knew this question would come. I’m always in controversy anyway. You people have already made me the villain! What else can I do or say? In today’s world, social media twists everything. My job is to perform well. Wherever I get an opportunity, I’ll give my best. The rest is up to God. Bengal is my home. Every match I play for Bengal is like a memory for me."

On the pitch that was used for the Ranji Trophy clash against Gujarat, the fast bowler added:

“As far as the pitch is concerned, we had asked for a green wicket. Our pace attack is one of the best in the country, so it’s only fair if we get a good surface to bowl on."

While Shami claimed eight wickets in the match, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed walked away with the Player of the Match award for figures of 6-34 & 3-60.

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"Now my rhythm is back" - Mohammad Shami expresses confidence after super show

Shami admitted that he is feeling good both mentally and physically after the impressive bowling effort in the Ranji Trophy clash against Gujarat. He also conceded that the phase after the 2023 World Cup when he was battling constant fitness and injury issues was tough. The seasoned bowler commented:

"Coming out of a difficult phase and performing well gives a lot of satisfaction. The time after the World Cup was tough and painful. But then I played the Ranji Trophy, white-ball cricket, the IPL, and the Duleep Trophy. Now my rhythm is back to where it was before. I can clearly feel there’s still a lot of cricket left in me."

Shami last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE. In five matches, he claimed nine wickets at an average of 25.88. The right-arm pacer claimed a five-fer in the group match against Bangladesh, but proved expensive with figures of 1-74 from nine overs in the final against New Zealand.