Retired Hurt: Mohammed Shami deserved a better farewell
Mohammed Shami’s retirement from Test cricket has left a lingering sense of unfinished business, despite his undeniable legacy as one of India’s most impactful fast bowlers. Over 13 years and 64 matches, he claimed 229 wickets and played a pivotal role in reshaping India’s pace attack, yet his final chapter felt abrupt and understated.
Unlike many of his peers, Shami’s last Test came in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023—a moment that marked the end of his international career without a fitting send-off. Critics, including former India coach Ravi Shastri, argue he deserved more time, suggesting he could have contributed another 30-40 wickets had he been given the opportunity, particularly in the past year of domestic cricket where he continued to perform strongly for Bengal.
Shastri questioned the repeated doubts about Shami’s fitness, noting his consistent domestic workload of 15-20 overs daily as proof of his readiness. His upright seam bowling, which baffled batsmen with its unpredictability, remains his trademark, with over 101 of his Test wickets falling via bowled or lbw dismissals.
Former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey echoed the sentiment, praising Shami’s effortless style and calling for his return in all formats, though he stopped short of blaming selectors outright, acknowledging the complexity of such decisions. The debate underscores a broader frustration: for a bowler who redefined India’s pace arsenal, the farewell lacked the grandeur his career deserved.
