The controversy surrounding Mohammed Shami's exclusion from the Indian squad has escalated, with Bengal's head coach seemingly taking a dig at chief selector Ajit Agarkar. This comes amidst Shami's impressive comeback in the Ranji Trophy, where he has been proving his fitness and skill after being sidelined due to fitness concerns.

Shami's exclusion from the ODI team for the Australia series sparked the initial disagreement between the player and the chief selector. Agarkar stated that Shami could be considered for selection once he clears the required fitness tests. He also said that Shami hadn't been fully fit for the past six to eight months and wasn't ready for the England tour.

However, Shami has responded strongly to these claims, asserting his fitness and expressing his determination to prove himself in the Ranji Trophy season. In Bengal's Ranji Trophy opener against Uttarakhand, Shami made a significant impact, taking three wickets in one over and finishing with a total of seven wickets in the match. He further reinforced his form by picking up nine wickets in the second round against Gujarat, including a 5-wicket haul.

Shami's performance in the Ranji Trophy has led many to question Agarkar's assessment of his fitness. His ability to bowl long spells and maintain an economy rate of less than 2.00 in the Ranji Trophy opener demonstrated his fitness and commitment. Shami himself has directly addressed Agarkar's remarks, stating that his performance on the field speaks for itself. "Let him say whatever he wants. You've seen how I bowled — it's all in front of your eyes," Shami told reporters.

The Bengal head coach's statement further fueled the controversy. While the coach did not directly name Agarkar, the implication was clear. The coach emphasized Shami's experience and dedication to the game, suggesting that his performance should be enough to warrant selection, regardless of any perceived fitness doubts.

Agarkar has responded to the criticism by clarifying that he has had multiple conversations with Shami over the past few months. He reiterated that the selection committee prioritizes players who are match-ready. Agarkar also added, "If he [Shami] said something, maybe that is a conversation for me to have with him or him to have with me,".

The debate highlights the importance of communication and transparency between players and selectors. Shami's strong comeback and the support from his state coach have put pressure on the selectors to reconsider his position in the team. The situation also brings to light the fine line between perceived fitness and actual performance, especially for experienced players like Shami who have a proven track record.

As Shami continues to perform well in the Ranji Trophy, the pressure on the selectors to justify his exclusion will only intensify. Whether this public debate will lead to Shami's return to the Indian squad remains to be seen, but it has certainly added an intriguing layer to the ongoing domestic cricket season.