"What More Do You Want?" Ravi Shastri Rips Into Selectors Over Mohammed Shami Snub

Ravi Shastri has criticised the selectors following Mohammed Shami's decision to retire from Tests.© PTI

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has criticised the selectors following Mohammed Shami's shock decision to retire from Test cricket after a series of snubs. Shami called time on his red-ball career late on Friday, more than three years after his final appearance for India in Tests, but will continue to play white-ball cricket. Reacting to the announcement, Shastri expressed his disappointment over Shami not being given another chance, suggesting the veteran pacer still had plenty of Test wickets left in him.

"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 ahead of the 2nd ODI between India and New Zealand.

Shastri also questioned the emphasis placed on gym-based fitness assessments, arguing that Shami had already proven his fitness by successfully handling the demands of red-ball cricket.

"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," the 1983 World Cup winner added.

Shastri also dismissed concerns over Shami's fitness, pointing to the pacer's performances for Bengal in the domestic circuit.

"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? If he's in good form and has a good IPL, and one of your senior bowlers suddenly breaks down, you'll be looking for experience. But you've got a player like him there," said Shastri.

Despite repeated snubs, Shami continued to let the ball do the talking. However, his 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches last season were not enough to change the selectors' stance.

Featured Video Of The Day

India Ends CWG Boxing Campaign With Record-Breaking Seven Gold Medals