New Delhi, Nov 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has criticised the lack of another opportunity for Mohammed Shami in the national Test team, arguing that the experienced fast bowler had already demonstrated his fitness through sustained performances in domestic cricket.
Reacting to Shami’s retirement from Test cricket, Shastri said the pacer’s workload for Bengal in first-class matches should have been given greater consideration by the selectors. He questioned why concerns about Shami’s fitness persisted when the bowler was regularly playing and delivering lengthy spells.
Speaking on Sony Sports Network ahead of the second ODI, Shastri said a fast bowler’s fitness should be judged by his ability to withstand the demands of competitive matches rather than merely his physical conditioning in the gym.
“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.
Shastri pointed out that Shami had been playing regularly for Bengal and bowling 15-20 overs, which, in his view, provided sufficient evidence of his match fitness.
“I’ve heard all these press reports about his fitness not being good, but he was playing every game for Bengal. He was bowling 15-20 overs. What more do you want a player to do to prove his fitness?” he said.
The former India coach also argued that Shami’s experience could have been valuable during a demanding international season, particularly if a senior fast bowler suffered an injury.
Shastri expressed sadness that a player who had served Indian cricket so well had to bring his Test career to an end. He believed Shami still had another 30-40 Test wickets left in him and should have featured for India during the preceding 12 months.
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