"He Defined An Era": BCCI Leads Tributes To Mohammed Shami After Test Retirement

The BCCI on Saturday paid a glowing tribute to Mohammed Shami, saying the veteran pacer defined an era of Indian fast bowling in Test cricket. Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday night, bringing the curtain down on a memorable red-ball career. He finished with 229 wickets in 64 Tests, making him the sixth-most successful fast bowler in India's Test history, behind Kapil Dev (434), Zaheer Khan (311), Ishant Sharma (311), Javagal Srinath (236) and Jasprit Bumrah (234). "Thank you for defining an era of Indian pace bowling, Test Cap #279," the BCCI wrote on social media. Former India cricketers also joined in paying tribute to Shami's outstanding Test career. Former head coach Ravi Shastri believes the pacer still had plenty to offer in the longest format.

"Incredible career. I was lucky that I was the coach at that time. He was instrumental in India doing well. Without him, the fast-bowling unit would not have functioned. No one presented the seam better than him in world cricket. You could say James Anderson as well. If Shami did not get the wickets, he would still keep the pressure on the opposition."

"Sad to see him go. I definitely thought he had another 30-40 wickets left in him. He should have played in the last 12 months. Maybe he should have been on this New Zealand tour as a Test match bowler," Shastri told the host broadcaster during the second ODI in New Zealand.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted Shami's ability to generate late movement with the red ball.

"Many congratulations on your wonderful red-ball career @MdShami11. Your late movement with that cherry will be missed," Pathan wrote.

Former India pacer Munaf Patel also wished Shami well for the future.

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

Shami's Bengal teammate Manoj Tiwary described him as a warrior and said it was a privilege to play alongside him.

"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 said.

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

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