IPL Auction 2025: Mohammed Shami has a mouth-shutting reply for Sanjay Manjrekar

Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is gearing up for the IPL 2025 mega auction after being released by Gujarat Titans last month. The seasoned Bengal bowler, known for his incisive seam and swing, will enter the auction pool as one of the marquee players when the event unfolds in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25. Despite his remarkable track record, former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Shami might face a significant dip in his price tag this year. Manjrekar speculated that franchises might be cautious about investing heavily in the injury-prone fast bowler. Shami recently returned to competitive cricket after a lengthy injury layoff, and teams could harbor concerns about his fitness over the demanding course of an IPL season.

IPL Auction 2025: Mohammed Shami gives befitting reply to Sanjay Manjrekar

While Mohammed Shami's skill set and ability to deliver under pressure remain unquestionable, the uncertainty surrounding his durability could influence bidding strategies at the auction. Historically, Shami has been a dependable performer in the IPL, showcasing his ability to deliver key breakthroughs and lead the bowling attack. However, the combination of recent injury setbacks and advancing age may cause teams to approach his acquisition with a degree of prudence. The IPL auction 2025 will test whether Shami's undeniable talent outweighs the perceived risks, with plenty of eyes on how the market responds to one of India’s most celebrated pacers.

“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. 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,” said former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar in a recent interview. 

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar’s bold prediction about Mohammed Shami’s potential price drop in the IPL 2025 mega auction has sparked a reaction from the fast bowler. The 34-year-old pacer, who was recently released by Gujarat Titans, did not take kindly to Manjrekar’s remarks and responded with a pointed Instagram story. In his post, Shami used sarcasm to hit back, suggesting that those curious about their own future should seek out Manjrekar for predictions. The remark appeared to be a dig at the former cricketer’s assessment, which highlighted concerns over Shami’s fitness and his ability to endure the rigors of an IPL season.

Shami’s response underscores his confidence in his abilities and his readiness to prove skeptics wrong. Despite his recent injury challenges, the experienced pacer remains a valuable asset in the T20 format, with his ability to swing the ball and deliver in crucial moments. His rebuttal not only reflects his determination but also adds an intriguing subplot to the upcoming auction, where teams will weigh his proven skills against perceived risks.

“Baba ki jay hoooo. Thoda sa gyan apne future k lie bhi bacha loo kaam aayega Sanjay G? Kisi ko future janna ho to sir se mile (Hail Baba. Save some knowledge for your future too, it will be useful Sanjay ji? If anyone wants to know the future, then meet sir)," senior Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami wrote in his Instagram story.

Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, was a significant acquisition for Gujarat Titans at the IPL 2022 mega auction, secured for an impressive INR 6.25 crore. The Bengal pacer proved to be worth every penny, delivering a stellar debut season for the Gujarat-based franchise. Shami claimed 20 wickets from 16 matches at an average of 24.40, playing a pivotal role in the team’s successful campaign.

The following year in 2023, Shami elevated his game to new heights, producing his best-ever performance in the IPL. In 17 matches, the veteran seamer scalped an astounding 28 wickets at an average of 18.64, emerging as the tournament's leading wicket-taker and earning the coveted Purple Cap. His ability to swing the ball and consistently strike in powerplays and at the death made him a linchpin in Gujarat’s bowling attack.

Now, Shami enters the IPL 2025 auction as one of the 12 marquee players, a status reflective of his incredible consistency and match-winning capabilities. Despite concerns over his fitness raised by some, teams will undoubtedly be eager to secure a bowler of his caliber. A proven wicket-taker across all phases of the game, Shami brings invaluable experience and skill to any franchise aiming for IPL glory.