Mohammed Shami Shuts Down Retirement Rumours with Fiery Response: ‘Kabhi Toh Accha Bol Liya Kare’
NEW DELHI: In a fiery and unfiltered response, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has categorically dismissed speculations surrounding his potential retirement from Test cricket. The 34-year-old pace spearhead took to social media to express his frustration over a misleading report by an online portal, which claimed he was set to follow in the footsteps of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma by bidding farewell to the longest format of the game.
The article in question, titled “Mohammed Shami Retirement: After Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Indian Pacer Likely To Bid Adieu To Test Cricket,” triggered a sharp reaction from Shami. Taking to Instagram Stories, he shared a screenshot of the report and didn’t hold back in his criticism. “Very well done, Maharaj. Apna job ke din bhi ginloo kitna adieu hai. Badme dekhle humara aap. Jaise ne satyinaash kar diya future ka. Kabhi toh accha bol liya kare. Aaj ka sabse kharab story sorry,” he wrote, translating to, “Count the days left in your job. You’ve ruined the future with such stories. Say something positive at least once. This is the worst story of the day.”
Shami’s outburst underlines his determination to continue contributing to Indian cricket at a time when the team is navigating a transition phase in Test cricket. With stalwarts like Kohli, Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin stepping away from the format or entering the twilight of their careers, Shami’s experience and wicket-taking prowess remain invaluable. The Bengal pacer last donned the whites for India in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023 at The Oval, where he battled injuries but showcased his grit.
Boasting an impressive record of 229 wickets in 64 Test matches at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls, Shami is one of India’s most lethal fast bowlers. His ability to swing the ball both ways and extract bounce on varied pitches has made him a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Fans and analysts alike will be relieved to know that Shami has reaffirmed his availability for the upcoming five-Test tour of England, scheduled to commence on June 20, 2025, a series that promises to be a defining chapter in India’s red-ball journey.
Adding another layer to his recent cricketing narrative, Shami has been a standout performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Representing Gujarat Titans in recent seasons before being signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2025, Shami’s consistency with the ball has cemented his reputation as a match-winner in white-ball cricket as well. His fiery spells in the IPL have kept him in the spotlight, even as he recovers from injuries that sidelined him from international action for over a year.
Shami’s message to the rumour-mongers is crystal clear: he is far from done with Test cricket. As Indian cricket looks to rebuild its Test core with young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Shami’s presence offers a blend of experience and firepower that could steer the team through challenging times. His passion, evident in his scathing social media post, reflects a bowler who is not just fighting baseless rumours but also gearing up to fight on the field with the same intensity that has defined his illustrious career.
In conclusion, Mohammed Shami’s response serves as a reminder of the perils of unchecked speculation in the digital age. For Indian cricket fans, it’s a reassurance that one of their greatest pacers isn’t hanging up his boots just yet. As the England tour looms on the horizon, all eyes will be on Shami to see if he can replicate the magic of his past performances, like his unforgettable 5 for 54 against England at Edgbaston in 2018. Until then, as Shami himself put it, maybe it’s time for some to “kabhi toh accha bol liya kare”—say something positive for a change.