Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed disappointment over Mohammed Shami’s decision to retire from Test cricket, believing the experienced fast bowler still had plenty to offer in the longest format. Shami announced his retirement through a social media video message on Friday, bringing an end to an international Test career that lasted more than a decade.

The 36-year-old called time on his Test career exactly 13 years after making his debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Shami made an immediate impact in his first appearance, claiming nine wickets in the match. He eventually finished with 229 wickets in 64 Tests.

One of the biggest highlights of his career came during India’s historic 2018-19 Test series victory in Australia under Virat Kohli’s captaincy. His last appearance in the format came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia.

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Speaking on Extra Innings ahead of the second ODI between India and New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday, Shastri admitted that he had expected Shami to continue playing Test cricket. The former India coach felt the pacer deserved another opportunity and could have added significantly to his wicket tally.

“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,” Ravi Shastri said.

He also questioned the emphasis on fitness if a player was not being given the opportunity to contribute on the field. “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,” he added.

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Mohammed Shami struggled with fitness issues over the last few years, which affected his chances of returning to India’s Test setup. However, the experienced pacer continued representing Bengal in domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, where he produced several impressive performances. Despite his retirement from Tests, Shami remains available for selection in white-ball cricket.