May 13, 2025: Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has publicly lashed out at media reports speculating about his potential retirement and uncertain selection for India’s upcoming England tour, beginning June 20.
Shami, who last played a Test match during the 2023 World Test Championship Final against Australia, has since battled a long-term injury. Although he made a successful domestic return, including a seven-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy against Madhya Pradesh, he has yet to feature again in India’s red-ball setup.
Despite his absence from Tests, the 34-year-old remained active in white-ball cricket, playing a vital role in India’s title-winning Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year and representing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing IPL 2025 season.
However, recent media reports suggested that Shami’s selection for the England tour is conditional upon his ability to bowl long spells, with some articles even hinting at his imminent retirement from Test cricket—similar to the recent retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Fuming over the claims, Shami took to Instagram, posting a screenshot of one such report with a strongly worded rebuke:
“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.”
Shami has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack, with 229 wickets in 64 Test matches at an average of 27.1, including six five-wicket hauls. His experience is particularly critical in a transitional phase for the Indian team, which has seen the retirement of key senior players in recent months.
While there has been no official word from the BCCI regarding Shami’s participation in the England series, his emphatic response makes it clear that the fast bowler is not stepping away from the longest format anytime soon.