 "Mohammed Shami cleared that he is not going to retire from Tests. Image: Reuters")
Mohammed Shami has hit back at a media house, accusing them of destroying his future, after it reported that the Indian fast bowler was ready to follow in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s footsteps and retire from Test cricket. Rohit and Kohli retired from Test cricket over the last week , days ahead of the Indian Test squad announcement for the England tour.
With Shami struggling for form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and his history of ankle injury after the 2023 ODI World Cup, which kept him out of action for one year, there are speculations that he may not get picked in the Test squad.
Shami slams retirement news report
But what enraged Shami was a news portal’s article that he could be next in line to retire from Test cricket. Shami was quick to criticise the portal and the journalist, saying that the news piece was the “worst” story of the day.
On his Instagram story, Shami wrote: “Very well done maharaj apna job k din bhi gin loo kitna adieu hai badme dekh le hamara ap jaise ne satyiyanash kar diya future ka kabi to accha bol liya kare aaj ka sabse kharab story sorry (sic) (Very well done, King. Look at your job, too, first and see how many days are left before focusing on me. Guys like you have destroyed my future. At least try to speak good things, sometimes. This is today’s worst story, I am sorry.)"
It will be interesting to see now if Shami is picked for the England tour. A source has told the Times of India that he isn’t an “automatic pick” anymore.
“As of now, Shami isn’t an automatic pick," a BCCI official said. “It’s been months since he has come back to international cricket but he has barely been in rhythm. While IPL performances are not usually considered while picking India teams, Shami is struggling to finish his run-up and the ball is not carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury after the 2023 ODI World Cup. He invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery."
In the IPL 2025, Shami has picked just six wickets in nine matches at an average of 56.17.