Irfan Pathan is facing renewed scrutiny after an old interview clip suggesting MS Dhoni's hookah habits and alleged favoritism resurfaced, sparking online debate. A fan questioned Pathan about the claims on Mohammed Shami's birthday post. Pathan responded humorously, tagging Dhoni and saying they would enjoy hookah together.
Mohammed Shami, a pivotal figure in India's cricket victories, boasts a net worth between ₹55-65 crore, fueled by BCCI contracts, IPL deals, and endorsements with brands like Nike and Puma. Despite personal challenges involving alimony payments to his ex-wife, amounting to ₹3.36 crore, and recent injuries sidelining him, Shami's legacy as a premier fast bowler remains secure.
The introduction of the rugby-style Bronco Test in the Indian cricketing system, by the current Indian Strength and Conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, has created a lot of buzz. The 2011 World Cup-winning S&C coach Ramji Srinivasan calls it a much-needed step to improve the endurance of the fast bowlers. Meanwhile, Soham Desai, who recently left the Team India set-up, calls it 'just another test'.
Facing social media backlash for the lack of live coverage of the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals, the BCCI has announced that the final will be telecast live from September 11-15. Despite an agreement for 100 days of live domestic cricket, fans expressed frustration over missing the quarterfinal action, which featured performances from several India players and the return of Mohammed Shami.
Central Zone took control in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal with a massive 678-run lead. Patidar and Sharma's batting dominance puts North East Zone under severe pressure heading into the next innings.
Hasin Jahan's cryptic social media post has reignited the public feud with Mohammed Shami, shortly after the cricketer addressed his personal life. Jahan alleges ongoing attempts to intimidate and ruin her, asserting her resilience in the face of adversity.
Mohammed Shami addresses his past controversies with Hasin Jahan, emphasizing his focus on cricket amidst marital turbulence experienced by other Indian cricketers like Shikhar Dhawan and Yuzvendra Chahal. He is currently playing in the Duleep Trophy, representing East Zone, after a modest performance in the recent IPL season and missing key international series.
Approaching 35, Mohammed Shami, despite subtle hints to retire, remains determined, eyeing the 2027 World Cup. In a Duleep Trophy match, his first red-ball game since November 2024, Shami focused on accuracy over speed, testing his body after injury. He bowled 17 overs, finding success in his third spell and eventually claiming a wicket late in the day.
In the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal, East Zone restricted North Zone to 308/6, highlighted by Mohammed Shami's return to First-Class cricket after a hiatus. Shami, initially rusty, improved his rhythm, taking 1/55. Young spinner Manishi's key strikes and Ayush Badoni's quickfire 63 also stood out.
Rajat Patidar smashed a 96-ball century and Danish Malewar struck an unbeaten 198 to put Central Zone on top against North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy. Mohammed Shami also returned with a wicket for the East Zone against the North Zone.
Mohammed Shami, despite his stellar record and contributions to Indian cricket, has faced online abuse, particularly after the 2021 T20 World Cup. Shami dismissed the trolls, emphasising his commitment to the team and urging respectful criticism. He also refuted retirement rumours, expressing his determination to return to the national side through domestic cricket.
The 2025–26 domestic season begins with the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru, a tournament doubling as auditions for vacancy in India's Test line-up. With questions over No. 3, No. 6 and pace depth, batters like Devdutt Padikkal, Shreyas Iyer and Sarfraz Khan, along with bowlers Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar, aim to impress selectors ahead of home Test series against West Indies and South Africa.