Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami recently visited Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his residence on Monday. The meeting came amid swirling rumours about Shami’s future in international cricket, with reports suggesting his place in India’s Test squad for the England tour may depend on his fitness and ability to bowl long spells.
Some reports even hinted at his possible retirement, prompting a fiery response from Shami on social media. He shared a screenshot of one such article on Instagram, blasting the claims with a sharp message:
“Very well done. Also, start counting the days left to say ‘adieu’ to your job, then see ours later. People like you have ruined our future. Try saying nice things sometimes, too. Today’s worst story, sorry.”
Mohammed Shami Struggles in IPL 2025 with Sunrisers Hyderabad
Shami’s performance in the ongoing IPL 2025 season has been underwhelming. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has managed only six wickets in nine matches, with a high average of 56.16. Due to this dip in form, he was eventually dropped from the playing XI.
Return to Domestic Cricket and Recent Form
After missing action post the 2023 ODI World Cup due to injury, Shami returned to domestic cricket and played for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. He impressed with a seven-wicket haul against Madhya Pradesh. Despite rumours about his possible return during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Shami wasn’t selected.
Still, the 34-year-old continued to bowl with the new ball for India in white-ball cricket this year, including during the Champions Trophy 2025, which India won.
Doubts Over Test Future Amid Veteran Retirements
Though Shami has made several appearances in 2025, questions remain about his readiness for the upcoming England Test series starting June 20. Reports claim his selection will depend on how well he can handle the demands of the format. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having recently retired from Tests, there is speculation Shami might follow suit.
Shami, however, has a solid Test record—64 matches, 229 wickets, and six five-wicket hauls. As India navigates the post-Kohli-Rohit era and with Ravichandran Ashwin also retiring recently, Shami’s experience could be crucial.
