Mohammed Shami expressed his frustration after Sanjay Manjrekar criticized his prospects of attracting a top bid in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Despite being one of India’s most in-demand fast bowlers, Shami took issue with Manjrekar’s prediction that his price would drop in the IPL Auction. Manjrekar, while confident that multiple teams would be keen on Shami, suggested that his auction value might drop this time around.
What Did Sanjay Manjrekar Say?
“There will definitely be interest from teams, but given Shami’s injury history — and this recent one took a significant amount of time to recover — there’s always a concern about a potential breakdown during the season,” Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
“If a franchise invests heavily and then loses him mid-season, their options become limited. This concern might lead to a drop in his price tag.”
Mohammed Shami’s Fiery Reply
Mohammed Shami replied publicly taking it on his Instagram story, he wrote:
“Baba Ki Jay Hooooo. Thoda sa gyan apne futue ke liye bhi bacha lo kaam ayeaga Sanjy G. Kisi ko futue janna ho to sir se mile (Save a little wisdom for your own future. If anyone wants to know their future, do contact ‘baba ji’),” Shami wrote in an Instagram story, mocking Manjrekar.
Mohammad Shami's Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/PIruQ4oRcS
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 21, 2024
Mohammed Shami’s Injury Woes
Shami, who returned to cricket action recently after an injury break, has been fighting fitness issues since the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was India’s highest wicket-taker. After his stint with the national team, Shami had been out of action for some time, though he did come back playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. Reports came suggesting that the BCCI selectors were more than happy with his recuperation, but all that is still lacking is he making it to India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad.
Shami Set To Make A Strong Comeback In International Circuit
Shami has pitched his base price at INR 2 crore for the IPL 2025 auction, significantly lower than INR 6.25 crore he fetched at the 2022 auction. Meanwhile, report of PTI has already indicated that Shami is likely to return to international cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, although it is likely to be late in that series. According to insiders, the BCCI medical team and national selectors are keen on seeing Shami play a few more competitive matches, especially in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, to be sure of his fitness before taking any final decision about his participation.
