Try saying nice things sometimes: Mohammed Shami's bold reply to retirement reports

ANI May 13, 2025 303 views

Mohammed Shami has dismissed reports suggesting his Test retirement is imminent. The veteran pacer lashed out at media speculation on Instagram, defending his fitness and commitment. Shami, recovering from injury, recently played in the Ranji Trophy and IPL. India’s pace attack could rely on his experience for the England tour.

"Try saying nice things sometimes, too. Today’s worst story, sorry." – Mohammed Shami
New Delhi, May 13: Seasoned seamer Mohammed Shami launched a scathing tirade after reports claimed that his involvement in India's upcoming tour of England depends on his ability to bowl sustained spells, and some even indicated his imminent retirement.

Key Points

1

Shami denies retirement rumors amid England tour speculation

2

Responds angrily to media reports on Instagram

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Played key role in India's Champions Trophy win

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Faces challenge to prove fitness for Tests

Shami hasn't bowled for India in the whites since the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023. A long injury layoff kept Shami out of action after the ODI World Cup in the same year.

He even returned to the domestic circuit and featured in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. With his experience, Shami enjoyed a fruitful outing and returned with seven scalps against Madhya Pradesh last year. Rumour mill suggested his return during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia; however, the series went by, and there were no signs of him.

The 34-year-old has bowled the new ball for India across formats in 2025, representing the nation in the title-winning Champions Trophy campaign and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League.

Despite his growing number of appearances, reports have suggested that Shami's involvement in England will hinge on his capacity to manage the format's demands, which begins from June 20. Other reports hinted at the possibility of Shami taking the same route to Test retirement as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Shami broke the silence and responded strongly to the claim. He posted a screenshot of the article on Instagram with a seething 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."

Shami has represented India in 64 Tests and scalped 229 wickets at an average of 27.1, boasting six five-wicket hauls. In the aftermath of Virat and Rohit's retirement, India is short on experience. During India's last tour of Australia, India's premier frontline off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin decided to bring the curtains down on his international career.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Shami is absolutely right to call out these baseless rumors! He's been one of our most consistent bowlers across formats. Just because he's 34 doesn't mean he's done - look at James Anderson still bowling at 40+! Indian media needs to stop writing off players prematurely. #RespectShami
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Priya M.
While I support Shami, his response was a bit too aggressive no? 😅 Journalists have a job to speculate, but players should handle it with more grace. That said, we desperately need his experience in England - our bowling attack looks too raw without him and Bumrah leading.
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Arjun S.
The way Shami bowled in last year's World Cup was magical! 23 wickets in 7 matches - that's not someone who's retiring anytime soon. Media should focus on his incredible comeback from injury rather than spreading negativity. #ShamiTheLion
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Sanjana T.
Honestly, we need a better transition plan for our senior players. First Kohli-Rohit in Tests, now Shami rumors... BCCI should communicate clearly about player futures instead of letting media create chaos. Shami deserves better treatment after serving Indian cricket for a decade.
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Vikram J.
Shami's reverse swing in England conditions could be deadly! Remember his 5-wicket haul at Lord's in 2021? Even if he plays just 2 Tests there, his experience guiding young bowlers like Siraj would be invaluable. Stop the retirement talks and let the man bowl!
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Neha P.
As a cricket fan, I'm torn. On one hand, Shami is a legend. On other, we must plan for future too. Maybe he could transition to white-ball specialist? His IPL performances show he's still got it in shorter formats. Just thinking aloud here 🤔

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Tags:
Mohammed Shami India cricket England tour Test retirement IPL Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli