Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin has expressed hope that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will offer Mohammed Shami a coaching role following the pacer’s retirement from Test cricket.
Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on November 6, exactly 13 years after his debut in the format. The bowler finished his career with 64 Test appearances, taking 229 wickets in 122 innings at an average of 27.71 and an economy rate of 3.30. His best bowling figures were 6 for 56, and he recorded 12 four-wicket hauls as well as six five-wicket hauls.
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Speaking to ANI, Azharuddin remarked on Shami’s contribution to Indian cricket and suggested the pacer could have continued in red-ball cricket for longer. “I think whenever a player is retired it is a very sad thing because you get used to him playing for so many years. I think he has played almost more than 13 years I think he has given a lot to the country. It is very sad that he has retired. But since he has taken the decision, we have to really respect the decision. And I think he has done really well for the country,” he said.
Azharuddin added, “I wish him all the best. I did not think that he would retire so early. Because I always felt that he was a very good bowler for the five-day game. It is very surprising that he retired from the longer format. Maybe he could have carried on playing the longer format and then maybe from the ODIs, he could have taken the retirement. But anyways, it is his decision. I wish him all the best, and I think he was an outstanding bowler. I mean, he really worked very hard on his bowling, and still he is performing, but I do not know what was the reason for.”
Describing Shami as one of the “finest fast bowlers seen after Kapil Dev,” Azharuddin expressed hope that the BCCI would engage him to mentor emerging fast bowlers. “I hope and pray he imparts his knowledge to the younger players and and I also sincerely hope that the board will recognise his services and take his services in future for coaching or any other job. Because I think he is one of the finest fast bowlers I think you have seen after Kapil Paji. I mean there is no comparison you cannot compare Kapil Paji but he was in the same mould,” he stated.
Azharuddin concluded, “I hope the board BCCI really I mean gives him a chance to really help the youngsters who are coming up. There’s no dearth of youngsters fast bowlers in India now and I sincerely hope and pray that his experience over the years will will be good for the Indian team in future, for the Indian fast bowlers in the future.”
Shami’s last Test match appearance was in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 final against Australia, where he achieved figures of 2 for 122 and 2 for 39 in a match India lost by 209 runs.
In a video message shared on Instagram, Shami thanked his parents, family, friends and colleagues for their support during his 13-year cricket career. He reflected on his journey from a small village, highlighting the struggles, injuries and challenges he faced, as well as his determination to represent India with pride.
Holding his Test cap number 279 and a red leather ball, he noted, “November 6 held special significance as I received my Test cap on the same day 13 years ago. And finally, on this day—November 6th—these two things came into my hands (a red leather ball and his Test cap). After facing many hardships, this Test cap number 279… today marks the completion of 13 years. In this 13-year journey, this cap and this ball made me Mohammed Shami. Through all the ups and downs, I stumbled, got hurt, and suffered injuries, but I stood back up every time for this badge.”
Shami debuted against the West Indies in 2013, recording figures of 4 for 71 and 5 for 47 contributing to India’s innings-and-51-run victory.
He expressed gratitude to his coaches, trainers, physiotherapists and cricket fans who supported him throughout his career. “So this 13-year journey has been wonderful, and I want to thank my coaches, trainers, physios, media/editing teams, and everyone who contributed even a little. Especially the fans—the cricket fans who made this name and always boosted my spirit; this will always be remembered. The biggest thanks go to all of you fans who showered so much love on cricket and brought my name to where it is today. I received this on November 6th, and today is also November 6th,” he said.
Announcing the conclusion of his Test career, Shami confirmed he would continue playing white-ball cricket including the Indian Premier League and domestic matches. He also stated he might play domestic cricket as required to maintain fitness. “So today, I conclude this 13-year journey right here. I made my debut on this very day, and on this day, I am taking retirement. I am leaving this behind [red-ball cricket], but I will definitely continue playing white-ball cricket, whether it is IPL or domestic matches. And if required for fitness, I will also continue playing domestic cricket. But as far as international Test cricket is concerned, the journey ends here. I started on this day, and today I am concluding it. So, love you all. Take care of yourselves. I hope a lot more talent emerges from here to serve the country. Take care, and Happy Diwali to all of you,” he added.
In the caption of his Instagram post, Shami stated that wearing India’s Test jersey was a dream fulfilled and described Test cricket as a special part of his life. “I am bidding farewell to the white jersey, but never to the memories associated with it. When I first wore India’s Test jersey, I had just one dream — to do something special for my country. Since then, every wicket, every struggle, every injury and every comeback has taught me something. Test cricket has never been just a format for me; it has been a very special part of my life. Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I have decided to retire from Test cricket,” he wrote.
He conveyed his thanks to teammates, coaches, family, fans, the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal for their support in his career. “My heartfelt thanks to every teammate, coach, my family and the millions of Indians who stood by me and continued to believe in me through both the good times and the difficult ones. A heartfelt thanks also to the BCCI and the CAB, who believed in my talent, gave me opportunities to move forward and played an important role in my cricketing journey. Your support and trust will always remain special to me,” he said.
He concluded, “My final Test ball on the field may have already been bowled, but the pride of playing for India will forever remain alive in my heart. Thank you, Test Cricket.”
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