Revealed: Why Mohammed Shami wasn't selected for Duleep Trophy despite Ajit Agarkar's positive update

Veteran India quick Mohammed Shami was not named in any of the squads for the Duleep Trophy 2024. This possibly ruled him out of India's next assignment as well, which is a two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

Shami was earlier expected to make an India comeback against Bangladesh after chief selector Ajit Agarkar gave a hint last month about his comeback for Bangladesh Tests. During a press conference ahead of leaving for the tour of Sri Lanka, Agarkar stated that Shami's progress is on track and the goal is to make him available for Bangladesh Tests.

He was expected to play in the Duleep Trophy 2024, which is also the start of red-ball India's domestic season. But the 33-year-old wasn't able to be fit on time before the tournament, which also ruled him of the Bangladesh Tests.

Also read: "I wasn't selected because.."- Rinku Singh breaks silence on Duleep Trophy 2024 snub

Mohammed Shami's international return delayed due to this reason

According to a report in PTI, Mohammed Shami's fitness is of primary concern for the BCCI and its selection committee. It is learned that there is no chance of Mohammed Shami getting fit before the Duleep Trophy and the selectors do not want to take any chances on his fitness by rushing him earlier.

Shami has been sharing updates on his comeback on social media. He had been bowling with a low-intensity shortened run-up, which sparked rumors of his comeback from the Duleep Trophy, starting on September 5.

But the fast bowler is now expected to make his international comeback in the home Test series against New Zealand. Before that series, Shami will play one or two Ranji Trophy games for his domestic side Bengal, which will allow him to get into the groove of red-ball cricket.

Mohammed Shami likely to return for New Zealand Tests

The 33-year-old right-arm quick is expected to play one out of the three Tests against New Zealand before traveling for the grueling five-match Test series in Australia. Before departing for Australia, India will play a three-match Test series at home against New Zealand.

The first Test of the series will be played from October 16-20 in Bengaluru. The second Test will take place from October 24-28 in Pune and the third will be played in Mumbai from November 1-5.

According to the reports, the priority of the selectors is to keep all of India's top three fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj fit for the five-match Test series against Australia.

Selectors aiming to keep India's fast bowling trio fit

Mohammed Shami has been India's premier fast bowler for the last few years. The 33-year-old fast bowler has picked up 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71. He has picked up 6 five-wicket hauls in his Test career so far.

India will be touring Australia later this year and will be aiming to complete a hat-trick of Test series wins in the country. India emerged victorious the last two times they toured Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. On both occasions, India won the series with an identical margin of 2-1.