Ravi Shastri questions selectors over Mohammed Shami's Test retirement
Former India head coach expressed disappointment that the fast bowler did not receive another opportunity before retiring from the format.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has questioned the selectors regarding Mohammed Shami's decision to retire from Test cricket. According to a Times of India report, Shastri expressed disappointment that the senior fast bowler did not get another chance in the national side before announcing his retirement on Friday.
Shastri stated that Shami had proven his fitness through his performances in domestic cricket. He noted that the bowler played regularly for Bengal and bowled long spells, suggesting that bowling 10-12 overs in a match is a better test of fitness than gym work.
The 36-year-old fast bowler announced his retirement from the longest format via an Instagram post, ending a 13-year career. Shami said he was leaving the white jersey with a heavy heart but would continue to play white-ball cricket in domestic competitions or the IPL.
Shami finished his Test career with 229 wickets in 64 matches at an average of 27.71. He is India's sixth-highest wicket-taking fast bowler in Test cricket, trailing Kapil Dev, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Javagal Srinath, and Jasprit Bumrah.
In a video message from his farmhouse in Uttar Pradesh's Amroha district, Shami reflected on his journey since receiving his Test cap on November 6, 2013. He added that if he remains fit, he may also continue playing four-day cricket.