‘He should have played in the last 12 months’ – Ravi Shastri slams selectors after Mohammad Shami’s Test retirement

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has criticized national selectors for overlooking Mohammed Shami over the past 12 months following the fast bowler's retirement from Test cricket. Shami announced his departure from the format on November 6, 2026, ending a 13-year career with 229 wickets in 64 Tests. Shastri expressed disappointment that Shami was not given another chance, believing he still had 30 to 40 wickets left in him.

Shastri challenged the fitness concerns raised by selectors and medical staff, which had kept Shami sidelined during previous tours, including England. Highlighting Shami's workload of bowling 15 to 20 overs per match for Bengal, Shastri questioned the reliance on gym-based assessments over live match performances. Shami plans to continue playing white-ball cricket, the IPL, and domestic tournaments.