BCCI's decision to exclude Mohammed Shami from Duleep Trophy raises questions despite Agarkar's hint about Bangladesh Tests

In a recent development, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinted that Mohammed Shami could be included in the Indian squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh starting on September 19. However, Shami was not selected for the Duleep Trophy, raising concerns about his recovery and potential absence from the upcoming Tests against New Zealand and Australia. Reports suggest that fitness concerns have been a major factor for BCCI in deciding Shami's inclusion in the squad.

Shami has not been in action since incurring an ankle injury in November last year during the ODI World Cup tournament at home. He later underwent surgery in the United Kingdom in February this year and remained in recovery at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

With the 34-year-old recently sharing social media updates about his comeback, where he was seen bowling with low intensity shortened run-up, it sparked media reports that he could be available for the Duleep Trophy. However, BCCI overlooked his name for the opening round of the tournament, which begins on September 5, which subsequently led to talks about whether he would make the squad for the Bangladesh Test series.

According to report in PTI on Sunday, there was no chance of him to get fit for the Duleep Trophy and the selectors didn't want to take any chances by rushing him earlier than required.

For the selectors, their priority is have India's top three pacers - Jasprit Bumrah, Shami and Mohammed Siraj - fit for the five Tests in Australia later this year. Shami has taken 229 wickets from 64 Tests with six five-wicket hauls and 12 four-wicket hauls.

Shami's return date set

Although he is most ruled out of the Test series against Bangladesh, Shami will be back in competitive action for a few matches for Bengal in the in upcoming Ranji Trophy tournament, which will kickoff in October, before playing one of the three Tests against New Zealand.

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