Atul Wassan Laments Mohammed Shami’s Test Cricket Exit

Former India cricketer Atul Wassan has expressed disappointment over the end of Mohammed Shami’s Test career, saying the fast bowler deserved a more respectful farewell after announcing his retirement from the format.

Shami brought a 13-year Test journey to a close on Friday, having made his debut on November 6, 2013. He finished with 229 wickets in 64 Test matches and was unable to return to the side after his last appearance in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 final against Australia.

For Wassan, the manner of Shami’s departure was difficult to accept given the bowler’s record, his recovery from injury and his attempts to force a way back through domestic cricket. The former India player said Shami had continued to put in the work, including playing the Ranji Trophy, while hoping for another opportunity.

Wassan praises Shami’s talent and resilience

Speaking to ANI, Wassan described Shami as a gifted and talented bowler whose performances had come across the world. He also referred to the challenges Shami had faced, including knee issues, while praising the fast bowler’s ability to keep performing.

“I think he’s wonderful. What a story, coming from where he did and with his bad knees, and just performing the way he has done all over the world. Such a pure, gifted, and talented bowler,” Wassan said.

Wassan said it “breaks my heart” to see Shami leave the format in this way. He added that Shami had been doing the hard yards and playing the Ranji Trophy well in an effort to make a comeback, while hoping his story could end on a happier note.

Shami’s final Test came in the World Test Championship final against Australia. He returned figures of 2-122 and 2-39 in the match, which India lost by 209 runs. Despite subsequent domestic-cricket performances, he did not earn another Test recall.

Across 122 Test innings, Shami took his 229 wickets at an average of 27.71 and an economy rate of 3.30. His best innings figures were 6/56. His record also included 12 four-wicket hauls and six five-wicket hauls.

Wassan suggested India could have drawn more service from Shami after his recovery, arguing that the pacer could have been given a better conclusion to his Test career. He said there was an age bias in Indian cricket and that Shami could have offered another couple of seasons if required.

Selection balance and the future pace pool

Wassan also acknowledged the selectors’ challenge as they look to develop younger fast bowlers before the World Cup. He said the large pool of bowlers means the Indian think tank needs opportunities to assess and groom new options, even if some of those players initially struggle.

At the same time, he maintained that experienced performers such as Shami should receive due respect and could remain relevant when major tournaments approach. Wassan said players of Shami’s vintage should not simply be cast aside after the service they have given.

He was also critical of what he viewed as a lack of grace toward senior players, saying Shami’s prospects of returning appeared limited with Gautam Gambhir at the helm. Wassan said Shami had tried his best, but added that age eventually catches up with every player.

Shami’s retirement closes a substantial chapter in India’s Test pace-bowling history. While the selectors continue to look toward the next generation, Wassan’s comments underline the debate over how established players are phased out and recognised at the end of their international careers.