‘All wanted you to have a comeback’: Laxmi Ratan Shukla disappointed over Mohammed Shami’s retirement

‘All wanted you to have a comeback’: Laxmi Ratan Shukla disappointed over Mohammed Shami’s retirement

Laxmi Ratan Shukla Disappointed Mohammed Shami Could Not End Test Career in India Colours

Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla has expressed disappointment that Mohammed Shami did not get the chance to return to India’s Test team before retiring from the longest format. Shukla said he and many others had hoped the experienced fast bowler would make one more international appearance in whites and bring his Test career to a close while representing India.

Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday night, ending a distinguished 13-year career. The 36-year-old claimed 229 wickets in 64 Tests, including six five-wicket hauls. His record reflects not only his ability to generate pace and movement but also his consistency across different conditions and stages of his career.

Shukla Wanted Shami to Make a Test Comeback

Speaking in a video shared on Instagram, Shukla acknowledged that Shami’s return to the national Test side had been a hope shared by many. That comeback did not happen, but the Bengal coach focused on the fast bowler’s achievements and his commitment to the state team.

“We all wanted you to have a comeback in the Test team and retire from there. But God did not accept it. Despite that, you are the best,” Shukla said, praising Shami as an outstanding player with an exceptional Test record.

Shami’s last Test for India was the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. He remained part of Bengal’s domestic cricket setup after that appearance, turning out in the Ranji Trophy, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His continued involvement gave Bengal access to a bowler with extensive international experience—and offered Shami the opportunity to keep competing at a high level.

A Rare Commitment to Domestic Cricket

Shukla was particularly impressed by the effort Shami continued to put into domestic cricket after years of representing India across Tests, one-day internationals and T20s. Fast bowlers face a demanding workload, with recovery, fitness and injury management all crucial to sustaining their careers. Shukla said Shami’s dedication to Bengal stood out even against that demanding backdrop.

“I have not seen a fast bowler working so hard for domestic cricket games after playing so many international matches and taking many wickets in Tests, One-days and T20s,” he said.

That commitment also has value beyond the scorecard. An experienced international bowler can help younger players understand match preparation, pressure management and the tactical details of bowling in different conditions. For Bengal, Shami’s presence has therefore meant more than the wickets he takes: his professionalism and example can influence the next generation of cricketers.

Shami’s Longstanding Bond With Bengal

Shukla also reflected on Shami’s connection with Bengal, describing the relationship as an important part of the bowler’s cricketing journey. Shami began his red-ball career with the state and continued to represent Bengal in domestic competitions after his final Test appearance for India.

“You started with us in the red ball, and now your Test match career ended with us,” Shukla said. He also praised Shami for what he had contributed to Bengal cricket, calling him an inspiration and expressing affection for the fast bowler.

The remarks capture the significance of Shami’s retirement for both Indian cricket and his domestic team. While the end of his Test career closes one chapter, his continued participation in limited-overs cricket means supporters may still see him lead Bengal’s attack in upcoming competitions.

A Remarkable Record at Home and Away

Shami’s Test numbers underline his impact in both familiar and challenging environments. He took 145 wickets in 41 away Tests at an average of 30.33, making him a valuable option on overseas tours. In home conditions, he claimed 76 wickets at an average of 22.1.

Those figures point to a bowler who could adapt his approach to the surface in front of him. In conditions that offered movement, Shami could exploit the ball’s swing and seam; on more demanding pitches, his pace and ability to hit the right areas remained important assets. His six five-wicket hauls further highlight his capacity to turn a spell into a match-changing performance.

Shami’s Next Chapter: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026

Retirement from Test cricket does not mean Shami is stepping away from the game. He has been named in Bengal’s 19-member squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026, the domestic T20 competition scheduled to begin on November 14.

Bengal are set to open their campaign against Karnataka at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The team has been placed in Elite Group A alongside Karnataka, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Baroda, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, with all league matches in the group scheduled to take place in Mumbai.

Shami’s inclusion gives Bengal a proven international performer as it prepares for a competitive group-stage schedule. His experience could be particularly useful in the shorter format, where bowlers must make quick adjustments to changing match situations and batters’ attacking plans.

What Shami’s Retirement Means for Indian Cricket

Shami’s decision marks the end of a substantial Test career, but his broader contribution to Indian cricket remains part of his legacy. He leaves the format with 229 wickets, a strong record at home and abroad, and a reputation for delivering under pressure. Shukla’s comments also highlight a less visible part of that story: Shami’s willingness to keep working for Bengal after years at the highest level.

For fans, the immediate prediction is that attention will now shift to Shami’s white-ball future and his role in Bengal’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign. His Test journey may not have concluded with the international farewell Shukla hoped for, but the fast bowler’s next appearances will offer another opportunity to see his skill, experience and competitive spirit on the field.

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