Mohammed Shami retirement prompts Shastri to question missed Test chances

Mohammed Shami retirement from Test cricket has prompted former India coach Ravi Shastri to question why the fast bowler was not given another opportunity. Speaking on Extra Innings ahead of India's second ODI against New Zealand, Shastri pointed to Shami's performances for Bengal.

Shami announced his decision on November 6, 13 years after his Test debut. His record stands at 229 wickets in 64 matches, with his final appearance coming against Australia in the 2023 World Test Championship final.

Shastri said he had believed Shami could take another 30 to 40 Test wickets. He expressed disappointment that the bowler had not featured in the format during the preceding 12 months.

Domestic workload and selection concerns

The former coach argued that Shami's ability to deliver substantial spells in domestic matches should count when assessing his readiness. He questioned the emphasis on gym fitness when a player was regularly handling match workloads.

Shami took seven wickets across three appearances for East Zone during their successful 2026 Duleep Trophy campaign. In his first three games of the 2026-27 Ranji season, he collected 14 wickets at an average of 14.00.

Earlier selection decisions had centred on workload concerns. Before the 2025 England Test series, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said medical advice and Shami's preparation did not support selection for five demanding Tests.

The Mohammed Shami retirement announcement applies to Tests, with the bowler intending to continue in white-ball cricket. His most recent India appearance was the 2025 Champions Trophy final, and he finished that tournament with nine wickets in five games.

Shastri encouraged him to stay prepared, suggesting that form in franchise cricket and an opening created by another bowler's absence could make his experience valuable again.

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