Former India National Cricket Team head coach Ravi Shastri is disappointed with Mohammed Shami's sudden retirement from Test cricket. Shastri believes that the fast bowler could have added 30 to 40 more wickets to his tally if he had been provided with enough opportunities.

Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Tests, exactly 13 years after making his Test debut for India. He last played for the national team more than three years ago in the longest format of the game, in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. The pacer left the format with 229 wickets from 64 matches.

Mohammed Shami announced his Test retirement

While the national cricket team selectors continue to ignore Shami, the pacer relentlessly shows up for the Bengal state cricket team in various domestic tournaments. He is currently playing for Bengal in the ongoing 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season as well.

Despite questions over his fitness, Mohammed Shami has been taking wickets, maintaining a good economy rate in this multi-day format tournament.

Amid his ongoing form, Ravi Shastri claimed that the 36-year-old could at least play in the last twelve months in the format for India.

Mohammed Shami should have played in the last 12 months: Ravi Shastri

The former head coach-turned-cricket commentator and cricket expert is saddened to see someone signing off unceremoniously after serving the national side for a long period.

"It's sad when someone who's played so well for the country has to go. I definitely thought he had another 30 or 40 wickets in him. He should have played in the last 12 months and perhaps should have been in the side as a Test-match bowler," Shastri said on Extra Innings ahead of India's second ODI against New Zealand.

Further in the conversation, Ravi Shastri questions the modern-day fitness regime, which is heavily focused on gym sessions. Shastri points out that if the team had a workhorse like Shami, then the team should have utilized him properly instead of keeping him ignored.

"What's the point of being fit in the gym if you can't bowl 10 or 12 overs in a match? Here, you've got a workhorse who's bowling for you. So, I'm a little disappointed that he didn't get another go," he said.

Ajit Agarkar was asked about Mohammed Shami's future

When Ajit Agarkar was the head of the selection committee, he was asked why they did not consider Shami for the Test series against West Indies in the latter part of 2025. Agarkar, in response, claimed that he did not have enough updates on the bowler's fitness and also felt that Shami did not play enough competitive matches to get selected for a Test series.

After the 2023 ODI World Cup, the seamer underwent ankle surgery in February 2024 and dealt with knee issues. Multiple injury concerns and doubts over fitness ruled him out of multiple crucial bilateral and multi-format series after that. He last featured for the Indian cricket team in the final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy against New Zealand.