"Some Legends Don't Say Goodbye": Cricket Fraternity Pays Tribute As Mohammed Shami Retires From Tests

The cricket fraternity came together to celebrate Mohammed Shami's contribution to Test cricket after the veteran India fast bowler announced his retirement from the longest format, with former teammates, cricketers and IPL franchises paying tribute to his remarkable career. Shami, who established himself as one of India's most dependable fast bowlers across formats, leaves behind an impressive Test record of 229 wickets in 64 matches. His ability to extract seam movement, generate pace and deliver crucial breakthroughs made him a vital part of India's bowling attack for over a decade. Former Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary, who had the opportunity to lead Shami at the domestic level, described the pacer as a true warrior.

"The red ball may no longer be in his hands, but the memories of his thunderbolts will forever remain in the hearts of cricket lovers. Some legends don't say goodbye; they simply become history. That's what it meant to me when I was leading the Bengal team and having Shami in the bowling line-up. Warrior at heart," Tiwary wrote on X.

Former India pacer Munaf Patel also extended his wishes and expressed hope that Shami would continue representing India in white-ball cricket.

"You will be missed in whites, buddy. Congratulations on your amazing career. See you soon in blues @MdShami11," he wrote.

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan kept his message brief, congratulating his former teammate on a successful career, while Ajinkya Rahane also paid tribute to the veteran quick.

"Congrats brother for a great career," Dhawan said.

"Congratulations, buddy, on your fantastic career. Well done," Rahane wrote.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted one of Shami's greatest strengths, praising his ability to generate late movement with the red ball.

Commenting on Shami's Instagram post, Pathan wrote: "Many congratulations on your wonderful red-ball career. Your late movement with that cherry will be missed."

Tributes also poured in from Shami's former IPL franchises, with Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) celebrating the bowler's trademark seam position and memorable performances.

"Lala, we'll miss that iconic seam position and the magic with the red cherry," PBKS posted.

"The red cherry will miss its favourite," LSG wrote.

His LSG teammate Mohsin Khan also shared a personal message: "Happy retirement bhaiya."

Among the most heartfelt tributes came from renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle, who reflected on Shami's mastery of seam bowling and his ability to create breakthroughs when matches appeared to be drifting away.

"Just because it was inevitable doesn't make it less poignant. Shami delivered a red ball like few others before him could. His romance with the seam of a cricket ball is a story in itself. When the game seemed headed nowhere, he would cajole the seam into nipping one back or leaving an unsuspecting batter. A bowler who operated on the first principles of seam and swing bowling. Very well played, Mohd Shami. Mazaa aa gaya. I wish you the very best in white-ball cricket and hope you can impart the principles of bowling to many who would want to walk in your footsteps," Bhogle wrote.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) also acknowledged the numbers behind Shami's contribution to Indian cricket.

"64 matches. 122 innings. 229 wickets. You gave it your all every time you had the ball in your hand. And more often than not, you gave us a reason to celebrate. Thank you for the memories in whites, Shami," CSK wrote.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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