Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has recently taken a sharp jab at former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar over comments regarding his potential price drop in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.
The controversy began when Manjrekar suggested that Shami’s history of injuries could deter franchises from bidding high for him, particularly as he returns to competitive cricket after a lengthy absence.
During a discussion on Star Sports, Manjrekar expressed concerns about Shami’s fitness, stating, “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.”
He further elaborated that if a franchise invests heavily in Shami and then loses him mid-season due to injury, their options would become limited, which might lead to a decrease in his price tag.
Mohammed Shami, who recently returned to action playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy after recovering from an Achilles heel injury that sidelined him for nearly a year following the 2023 ODI World Cup, did not take these remarks lightly.
In response, he took to Instagram to deliver a sarcastic retort directed at Manjrekar. He wrote, “Baba ki jay ho! Thodasa gyan apne future k lie bhi bacha lo kaam ayega Sanjay G? Kisi ko future janna ho to sir se mile,” which translates to “Glory to Baba Ji. Save some wisdom for your own future too; it might come in handy, Sanjay G. If anyone wants to know their future, they should meet the sir.”
This witty comeback quickly gained traction on social media, with fans engaging in debates about both players’ perspectives. Shami’s message not only highlighted his confidence in his abilities but also reminded him of his achievements on the field, contrasting sharply with Manjrekar’s cautionary tone.
Despite the injury concerns raised by Manjrekar, Shami has demonstrated his readiness for competitive cricket.
In his recent Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, he showcased his skills by taking seven wickets and contributing significantly with the bat.
His performance reaffirmed his status as a valuable player and indicated that he is on track for a strong comeback.
As the IPL auction approaches, set for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Shami has listed himself at a base price of ₹2 crore in the marquee category. While questions about his fitness linger, his recent performances and proven track record suggest he could still attract significant interest from franchises looking to bolster their bowling line-ups.
Shami’s history includes being one of the standout players during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets in seven matches.
His ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial performances makes him an asset for any team despite concerns regarding his injury history.
This exchange between Shami and Manjrekar adds another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding player fitness and market value in cricket, especially as players like Shami aim to reclaim their positions and secure lucrative contracts in the IPL.
