Bowling coach Marne Morrell expresses emotions over Mohammad Shammi's exit from tests, recalling time spent together

After Mohammad Shammi announced his departure from Test cricket, former Indian coach Ravi Shastri criticized the team selection procedure. He believes that the experienced fast bowler should have been given another chance in Test format matches.

During the 'Additional Matches' program before the second ODI against New Zealand on Sunday, Shastri noted: 'It is sad that a player who performed so well for the country had to leave this way. I thought he still had the potential to take another 30-40 wickets. He should have played for the last 12 months, and perhaps he should have made it into the national team for Test level matches.'

Mohammad Shammi faced constant injuries after the 2023 Cricket World Cup. In February 2024, he underwent ankle surgery, and his condition was then complicated by knee problems. Due to these issues, he could not participate in the five-match series against Australia.

Previously, when he was not selected for the tour to England in 2025, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that Mohammad Shammi's workload was insufficient for a demanding five-match series. Furthermore, the medical team did not recommend his inclusion.

To this, Ravi Shastri responded, stating: 'What good is such physical fitness if the player is fit in the dressing room but cannot bowl 10 or 12 overs in a match? You have a bowler who consistently bowls overs. Therefore, I am disappointed that he was not given another chance.'

Despite his absence from the national team, Mohammad Shammi regularly participated in home matches for Bengal. In the 2026-27 Dilip Trophy, he took seven wickets in three matches for the Eastern Region team, contributing to the title win. In the first three matches of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, he had 14 wickets at an average of 14. He demonstrated 5/59 against Delhi and 4/37 against Maharashtra. Mohammad Shastri cited this data, noting that Shammi played in every match for Bengal and bowled 15-20 overs. In his opinion, there is no better criterion for assessing a sportsman's form than this.

Even after announcing his exit from Test cricket, Mohammad Shammi's career will continue. He intends to play in ODIs and T20s and may try to secure a spot in the Indian team for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Mohammad Shammi's last match for India was in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, where he took nine wickets in five matches and was one of India's most successful bowlers alongside Varun Chakravarthy.

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami officially announced his departure from the Test cricket format on Friday, November 6. He shared his feelings in an emotional social media post.

Shami stated that when he stepped onto the field in the Indian national team's white uniform, he dreamed of doing something for his country. Now, he is saying goodbye to this path, cherishing all the memories.

In his message, Shami wrote: 'I am leaving the white jersey, but I will never forget the memories associated with it.' He emphasized that Test cricket was not just a game format for him, but a very important part of his life. Every wicket he took, every struggle, injury, and return taught him a valuable lesson.