Ravi Shastri Criticises Selectors Following Mohammed Shami’s Test Retirement

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has voiced his frustration regarding the circumstances surrounding Mohammed Shami’s retirement from Test cricket. Shastri believes the veteran fast bowler was overlooked by national selectors despite demonstrating his physical readiness through consistent appearances in domestic red-ball cricket.

The 36-year-old seamer officially announced his departure from the longest format on Friday, marking the conclusion of a 13-year international Test career. While Shami confirmed he will remain available for white-ball cricket and potential domestic four-day fixtures, his exit from the Test arena has sparked debate over whether he was given a fair chance to return to the squad.

Shastri emphasised that the ability to bowl 15 to 20 overs in a first-class match is a more accurate indicator of readiness than gym-based fitness metrics. During the current season, Shami featured in three Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal, claiming 14 wickets. Shastri expressed his belief that the experienced campaigner still had significant contributions to offer the Indian Test side, suggesting he could have realistically added another 30 to 40 wickets to his career tally had he been selected over the past year.

Reflecting on his journey in a video message, Shami described the Test cap as the defining element of his professional identity. He made his debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013, and chose the 13th anniversary of that milestone to announce his retirement. His final appearance for India in the format came during the 2023 World Test Championship final at The Oval.

Despite the emotional nature of his departure, Shami remains focused on his future in limited-overs cricket. He is currently included in the Bengal squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which begins on November 14. In his farewell statement, the bowler expressed gratitude to the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal for their support throughout his career, confirming that while his international Test journey has ended, his involvement in domestic white-ball competitions will continue.