Ravi Shastri criticises selectors over Mohammed Shami's retirement from Test cricket

Former head coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri, has raised serious questions regarding the selection process following fast bowler Mohammed Shami's announcement of retirement from Test cricket. Shastri expressed that an experienced player like Shami should have been given another opportunity in the Test team. Ravi Shastri stated that Shami still had the capacity to take 30-40 more wickets, but he was not given the chance to prove his skill on the field.

Ravi Shastri expressed his disappointment during the 'Extra Innings' programme before the second ODI match against New Zealand. According to Aajtak, Shastri said, "It is sad for a player who has performed so well for the country to depart in this manner. I felt he still had the capacity to take 30-40 wickets. He should have played in the last 12 months and perhaps he should have found a place in the Test team."

There was prior discussion regarding Mohammed Shami's fitness and selection based on a statement by chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Regarding Shami's non-selection for the 2025 tour of England, Agarkar had stated that considering the challenging five-Test series, Shami's workload was not sufficient. Additionally, the medical team had also advised against his selection.

Responding to Ajit Agarkar's logic, Ravi Shastri questioned the fitness criteria. Shastri said that if a player is fit in the gym but cannot bowl 10 or 12 overs during a match, such fitness is of no use. He emphasised that when you have a bowler who is consistently bowling overs, it is disappointing not to give him a chance. Shastri questioned, "What else did Shami have to prove?"

As evidence of Mohammed Shami's fitness, Ravi Shastri mentioned his performance in domestic cricket. During the period he was away from the Indian team, Shami consistently participated in domestic cricket for Bengal. Playing for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026-27, Shami claimed 7 wickets in three matches and contributed significantly to his team winning the title.

Furthermore, Shami performed brilliantly in the first three matches of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. He claimed 14 wickets in these three matches with an average of 14. He took 5 wickets for 59 runs against Delhi and 4 wickets for 37 runs against Maharashtra. Citing these figures, Ravi Shastri said that Shami was playing every match for Bengal and bowling 15-20 overs. According to Shastri, what better criterion could there be to check a player's match fitness?

Regarding Shami's injuries, he faced continuous setbacks after the 2023 Cricket World Cup. He underwent ankle surgery in February 2024, and subsequently, knee problems also troubled him. For these reasons, he remained out of the five-Test match series against Australia.

However, even after retiring from Test cricket, Mohammed Shami's cricket career has not ended. He wishes to continue playing ODI and T20 cricket. Shami's goal is to secure his place in the Indian team for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Mohammed Shami's final match for India was the final of the Champions Trophy 2025. In this tournament, he claimed a total of 9 wickets in five matches. Along with Varun Chakaravarthy, he was India's most successful bowler in this tournament.

Ravi Shastri previously served as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, during whose tenure India achieved significant success in Test cricket.