India’s pacer Mohammed Shami has clapped back at cricket commentator Sanjay Manjrekar for comments predicting a decline in his value at the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Shami took to Instagram to sarcastically urge Manjrekar to “save his knowledge for the future,” responding to the commentator’s remarks about Shami’s injury concerns potentially affecting his IPL price.
The Exchange:
- Manjrekar, speaking on Star Sports, suggested that Shami’s recent injuries could deter franchises from making a significant investment in him, despite his proven track record.
- Shami, in a sharp retort, posted on Instagram: “Baba ki jai hoooooo. Thoda sa gyan apne future k lie bhi bacha loo kaam ayega Sanjay G? Kisi ko future janna ho to sir se mile.”
Shami’s Recent Form:
- IPL 2023: Shami was the Purple Cap winner, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 28 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 18.64.
- ODI World Cup 2023: He also emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps, showcasing his elite form.
Injury and Comeback:
- Shami recently returned to competitive cricket after a year-long recovery from ankle surgery post the ODI World Cup final.
- He made a successful comeback in domestic cricket, being named in the Bengal squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25. His fitness is under BCCI monitoring, with further assessment planned before India’s Australia tour.
What’s Next for Shami?
With his impressive performances across formats, Shami remains a hot prospect for IPL franchises, despite concerns over his injury history. His recent displays have reaffirmed his place as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket, and his upcoming participation in SMAT and Australia’s tour will further test his fitness and consistency.
This response marks another instance of Shami silencing critics with both words and performance.
