Mohammed Shami Slams Test Retirement Rumors: “You’ve Destroyed My Future”
India’s veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has issued a strong and emotional rebuttal to swirling rumors suggesting his imminent retirement from Test cricket. Taking to Instagram, the 34-year-old fast bowler expressed outrage over speculative media reports, saying such baseless stories are damaging his future and mental space.
On his Instagram story, Shami shared a screenshot of a headline that claimed he was next in line to retire after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Along with the image, he posted a long, heartfelt statement in Hindi, targeting the journalist behind the article and questioning the intent behind such stories.
“Very well done maharaj. Apna job ke din bhi gin lo. Kitna adieu hai, baad mein dekh lena hamara. Aap jaise logon ne satyanash kar diya future ka. Kabhi toh achha bol liya karo. Aaj ka sabse kharab story. Sorry.” (Translation: Very well done, King. Count your own job’s days too. Worry about yourself before worrying about me. People like you have destroyed my future. Say something good sometimes. This is today’s worst story. Sorry.)
Retirement Rumors Intensify After Kohli, Rohit Announcements
Following Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement on May 7 and Virat Kohli’s announcement on May 12, speculation around other senior players started building. Several media houses cited unnamed BCCI sources claiming Shami could be dropped or forced into retirement, owing to his ongoing fitness concerns and dwindling form.
A report in The Times of India quoted a BCCI official saying:
“As of now, Shami isn’t an automatic pick. It’s been months since he returned to international cricket, but he has barely been in rhythm. He’s struggling to finish his run-up, and the ball is not carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to. After his Achilles tendon injury post-2023 ODI World Cup, he hasn’t looked the same.”
Shami’s Recent Performance: Mixed Bag
After his Achilles injury, Shami made a comeback ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, playing a key role in India’s title-winning campaign. However, his IPL 2025 form has been far from impressive. He has taken just 6 wickets in 9 matches, averaging a high 56.17, which has raised concerns over his match fitness and consistency.
Despite the numbers, the pacer clearly feels the retirement rumors are premature and unfair, especially when coming from unnamed sources and media speculation rather than official confirmation.
Media Criticism and Player Mental Health
Shami’s sharp response highlights a growing concern among players about sensationalist journalism and unverified reporting, particularly during periods of transition like India’s current Test team rebuild.
His statement echoes a sentiment felt by many cricketers today — that media pressure and speculative narratives can damage careers, especially when a player is already battling injuries or form issues.
What’s Next for Shami?
As India prepares for a five-match Test series in England starting June 2025, questions remain over Shami’s selection. The BCCI is yet to name the squad, and it remains unclear whether the veteran quick will feature — especially with the team likely to enter a new WTC cycle with younger players and fresh leadership.
However, no official word on Shami’s Test retirement has come from either the player or the BCCI, and his emotional pushback suggests he has no immediate plans to step away from the longest format.
