“CNN Central News and Network – ITDC India ePress / ITDC News Bhopal:“India pacer Mohammed Shami has taken a dig at former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar for his remarks predicting a possible dip in Shami’s price at the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. Sharing an Instagram story, Shami sarcastically referred to Manjrekar as a “baba” (seer) and quipped about his future predictions.
“All hail the saint. Save some knowledge for your future as well, it will come in handy. If anyone wants to know the future, they should meet sir,” Shami wrote, sharing a screenshot of Manjrekar’s comments.
The Controversy
The exchange began after Manjrekar, while speaking on Star Sports, mentioned that Shami’s injury history might lead IPL franchises to hesitate in making a hefty investment.
“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. This concern might lead to a drop in his price tag,” Manjrekar had stated.
Shami, who has recovered fully after a year-long injury that ruled him out of the 2024 season, recently made a strong comeback in the Ranji Trophy. Representing Bengal, the 34-year-old seamer showcased his skill and experience with figures of 4-54 in 19 overs, solidifying his readiness for the competitive circuit.
Shami’s IPL Journey
Shami was the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2023, claiming 28 scalps in 17 matches while playing for Gujarat Titans. However, injuries forced him to miss the entire 2024 season, leading the Titans to release him ahead of the 2025 auction.
Despite this setback, Shami remains one of the most experienced pacers in Indian cricket. His strong performance in domestic cricket could reignite interest among franchises, setting the stage for an intriguing auction.
What’s Next?
With Shami back to full fitness and showcasing his form, his reaction highlights the competitive spirit and confidence of a seasoned professional. The IPL 2025 auction will reveal whether franchises are willing to bank on his experience despite concerns over injuries. For now, Shami’s retort adds spice to the lead-up to one of cricket’s biggest events.
