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Senior Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has firmly dismissed swirling rumors regarding his potential retirement from Test cricket. The rumors about Shami’s retirement surfaced during a period of significant transition for Indian cricket. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both stepping away from the Test format, the leadership group is undergoing a generational shift.
Mohammed Shami breaks silence on test retirement buzz with firm statement
Taking to his Instagram stories, Shami called out a misleading media report that claimed he was planning to retire after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Sharing a screenshot of the news article, the 34-year-old pacer labeled it “Aaj ka sabse kharab story,” (Worst story of the day). His reaction made it clear that he was not pleased with such baseless speculation and is far from calling time on his Test career. Shami’s public rebuttal aims to quash any doubts about his future in international cricket, reaffirming his commitment to the Indian team at a crucial juncture.
“Very well done Maharaj Apna job k din bhi gin loo kitne adieu hai bad me dekh le hamara ap jaise ne satiyanash kar diya future ka kabhi toh achaa bola liya kariye aaj ka sabse kharab story (“Very well done, Maharaj. You should start counting your days on the job too, so many farewells are coming. Later you’ll see how people like you have ruined the future. At least say something good once in a while. This is today’s worst story),” Shami wrote.
Since making his Test debut in 2013, Shami has built an enviable red-ball career. He has played a central role in many of India’s iconic overseas Test wins, from the 2018 and 2021 tours of Australia to India’s memorable wins in England and South Africa. Known for his relentless accuracy and late seam movement, Shami has amassed around 230 Test wickets and remains one of the most effective fast bowlers India has produced in the modern era.
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Focus shifts to India’s tour of England 2025
Shami’s clarification also comes ahead of India’s highly anticipated five-Test series in England, set to begin on June 20. The series marks the start of a new cycle in the World Test Championship (WTC), and the Indian team will be eager to begin strongly under fresh leadership. Although Shami missed most of the WTC 2023-25 cycle due to injury, he remains a key part of India’s plans when fit. His ability to swing the ball both ways and extract bounce makes him an asset in English conditions, where seam bowlers tend to thrive.
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad for the England series in the third week of May, Shami’s inclusion, provided he has recovered from his long-standing ankle issue, would be a major boost to India’s campaign. Shami’s ability to consistently deliver with the red ball, especially in overseas conditions, has made him one of India’s most dependable pacers. As younger fast bowlers like Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna look to establish themselves, Shami’s presence will be essential in guiding them through the rigors of Test cricket and preserving India’s bowling firepower.
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