SportsPosted at: Nov 7 2026 6:31PM


BCCI, former India stars hail Shami for defining an era of Indian pace bowling

New Delhi, Nov 7 (UNI) Mohammed Shami’s retirement from Test cricket has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the BCCI and former India cricketers, with his contribution to the country's fast-bowling legacy earning widespread praise.
While the board credited the veteran pacer with defining an era of Indian pace bowling, former coach Ravi Shastri felt he still had plenty left to offer in the longest format.

Shami announced his decision on Friday night, ending a 13-year Test career in which he claimed 229 wickets in 64 matches. He is India's sixth-highest wicket-taking fast bowler in Test cricket, behind Kapil Dev (434), Zaheer Khan (311), Ishant Sharma (311), Javagal Srinath (236) and Jasprit Bumrah (234).

The BCCI acknowledged his contribution with a post on social media, writing: “Thank you for defining an era of Indian pace bowling, Test Cap #279,”

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who worked closely with Shami during his tenure, felt the pacer still had plenty left to offer in Test cricket. Shastri credited him with playing a major role in India's success and highlighted his ability to maintain pressure through his seam bowling.

“Incredible career. I was lucky that I was the coach at that time. He was instrumental in India doing well. Without him, the fast-bowling unit would not have functioned. No one presented the seam better than him in world cricket. You could say James Anderson as well. If Shami did not get the wickets, he would still keep the pressure on the opposition,” Shastri said.

Shastri also expressed disappointment at Shami's decision, suggesting that the fast bowler could have added significantly to his Test tally had he continued.

“Sad to see him go. I definitely thought he had another 30-40 wickets left in him. He should have played in the last 12 months. Maybe he should have been on this New Zealand tour as a Test match bowler,” Shastri told the host broadcaster during the second ODI in New Zealand.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan remembered Shami for his ability to generate late movement with the red ball.

“Many congratulations on your wonderful red-ball career @MdShami11. Your late movement with that cherry will be missed," Pathan wrote.

Former pacer Munaf Patel also sent his best wishes, saying Shami would be missed in the Test format but expressing hope of seeing him back in India's limited-overs colours.

“You will be missed in whites, buddy. Congratulations on your amazing career. See you soon in blues,” Munaf wrote.

Manoj Tiwary, Shami's former Bengal teammate, described him as a warrior and recalled the experience of having the fast bowler in his team during his captaincy.

“The red ball may no longer be in his hands, but the memories of his thunderbolts will forever remain in the hearts of cricket lovers. Some legends don't say goodbye; they simply become history.”

“That's what it meant to me when I was leading the Bengal team and having Shami in the bowling line-up. Warrior at heart,” Tiwary said.
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Tags: #BCCI# former India stars hail Shami for defining an era of Indian pace bowling
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