The Mohammed Shami Test retirement has prompted a reaction from former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who believes the experienced fast bowler still had plenty to offer in the longest format. Shastri expressed disappointment that Shami did not receive another opportunity to represent India in Test cricket before announcing his retirement on November 6.
Shami announced his decision exactly 13 years after making his Test debut. He finished his career with 229 wickets in 64 matches. His final appearance for India in the format came during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia.
Speaking on Extra Innings ahead of India's second ODI against New Zealand, Shastri said he had expected Shami to take another 30-40 Test wickets.
He felt the fast bowler should have featured in India's Test team during the previous 12 months and deserved another chance to contribute at the highest level.
Ravi Shastri Questions Fitness Concerns Around Shami
Shami's international career faced interruptions following injuries after the 2023 ODI World Cup. He underwent ankle surgery in February 2024 and subsequently experienced knee problems.
He missed India's five-Test tour of Australia before returning to international cricket in January 2025. He featured in the T20I and ODI series against England and then played all five matches of the Champions Trophy.
However, another setback ahead of the 2025 England Test tour ruled him out of contention. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said Shami's workload was not at the required level and medical staff had advised against selecting him for a demanding five-Test series.
Shastri questioned whether gym-based fitness assessments should outweigh a fast bowler's ability to deliver overs during competitive matches.
He argued that Shami's match workload demonstrated his capacity to contribute and expressed disappointment that the pacer did not receive another opportunity.
Shami's Domestic Performances Strengthen His Case
Despite being away from the national Test setup, Shami continued playing domestic cricket for Bengal.
He claimed seven wickets in three matches for East Zone in the 2026 Duleep Trophy, helping the side win the title. He then produced strong performances in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, taking 14 wickets in his first three matches at an average of 14.00.
His performances included a match haul of 5/59 against Delhi and figures of 4/37 against Maharashtra.
Shastri cited these numbers while questioning the repeated concerns about Shami's fitness. He pointed out that the pacer was regularly playing for Bengal and bowling substantial spells.
Can Mohammed Shami Return to White-Ball Cricket?
Shami's Test retirement does not mean the end of his international career. The fast bowler intends to continue playing white-ball cricket, leaving open the possibility of a return ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
His last international appearance came in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. He finished the tournament with nine wickets in five matches, matching Varun Chakravarthy's tally as India's joint-highest wicket-taker.
Shastri believes Shami should remain prepared for another opportunity, particularly if injuries affect India's senior fast bowlers.
For now, Shami's attention remains on domestic and franchise cricket. Although his Test journey has ended, Shastri believes the experienced pacer still has the ability to make a significant contribution in limited-overs cricket.
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