Mohammed Shami meets Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami paid a visit to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his residence on Monday, amid swirling speculation about his future with the Indian cricket team.

भारतीय क्रिकेट टीम के प्रख्यात गेंदबाज मोहम्मद शमी जी से आज लखनऊ स्थित सरकारी आवास पर शिष्टाचार भेंट हुई।@MdShami11 pic.twitter.com/M7DQl6VnGB

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) May 19, 2025

The meeting came shortly after Shami reacted sharply to reports suggesting that his place in the upcoming England tour hinges on his fitness and ability to deliver long spells. Some reports even went as far as to hint at his potential retirement from international cricket.

Clearly irked by the rumors, Shami broke his silence with a fiery response on Instagram.

Sharing a screenshot of one such report, he wrote, “Very well done. Also, start counting the days left to say 'adieu' to your job, then see ours later. People like you have ruined our future. Try saying nice things sometimes, too. Today's worst story, sorry.”

Shami’s IPL 2025 campaign with Sunrisers Hyderabad has been underwhelming. The senior fast bowler managed only six wickets in nine matches at an average of 56.16, leading to him being dropped from the playing XI. He hasn’t bowled for India in Test cricket since the World Test Championship Final against Australia in 2023. A prolonged injury absence followed, ruling him out of action after the ODI World Cup the same year.

However, Shami returned to domestic cricket, turning out for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, where he picked up seven wickets in a match against Madhya Pradesh. There were whispers of a possible return during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, but he remained absent from the squad.

Despite fitness concerns, Shami has continued to represent India in 2025, including the victorious Champions Trophy campaign, and featured in the 18th edition of the IPL. As India prepares for the England Test series beginning June 20, reports have continued to speculate whether Shami will be part of the squad, depending on his physical readiness.

Adding fuel to the discussion are suggestions that Shami may follow the path of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who recently retired from Test cricket. Having played 64 Tests and taken 229 wickets at an average of 27.1—including six five-wicket hauls—Shami remains one of India’s most experienced bowlers.

India, meanwhile, is going through a transitional phase with key veterans like Kohli, Rohit, and Ravichandran Ashwin stepping away from the longest format. Shami's role, if he returns, could be vital in guiding the next generation of fast bowlers.