New Delhi, Nov 7: Mohammed Shami Test retirement has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the cricket fraternity. Former teammates, fellow cricketers and IPL franchises have celebrated the veteran Indian fast bowler’s contribution to Test cricket.
Shami finished his Test career with an impressive record of 229 wickets from 64 matches and 122 innings. His pace, seam movement and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs made him one of India’s dependable fast bowlers in the longest format.
Mohammed Shami Test Retirement: Manoj Tiwary Calls Him a Warrior
Former Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary reflected on his experience of leading Shami at the domestic level. He described the pacer as a warrior and recalled his impact with the ball.
“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.” This 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.
Read More: Two Men Charged Over Shooting at Famous Comedian Kapil Sharma’s Café in Canada
Former India pacer Munaf Patel also congratulated Shami. He expressed hope that the fast bowler would continue representing India in white-ball cricket.
“You will be Missed in Whites Buddy, congratulations on your amazing carrer. See you soon in Blues @MdShami11,” Munaf wrote.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan kept his message brief, saying, “Congrats brother for a great career.”
Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane also acknowledged Shami’s contribution. “Congratulations buddy on your fantastic career, well done,” he wrote.
Cricketers Praise Mohammed Shami’s Test Bowling Skills
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 cricket. Your late movement with that cherry will be missed,” Pathan commented on Shami’s Instagram post.
Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle also shared an emotional tribute. He praised 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 player who bowled by the first principles of seam and swing bowling. Very well played Mohd Shami. Mazaa aa gaya. Wish you the very best in white ball cricket and I hope you can impart the principles of bowling to many who would want to walk in your footsteps,” Bhogle wrote.
IPL Franchises Honour Mohammed Shami After Test Retirement
Shami’s former IPL associations also celebrated his trademark bowling skills and memorable performances.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) recalled his iconic seam position and ability to make the red ball move.
“Lala, we’ll miss that iconic seam position and the magic with the red cherry,” PBKS commented.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) also shared a tribute, writing, “The red cherry will miss its favourite.”
Shami’s LSG teammate Mohsin Khan added a personal message: “Happy retirement bhaiya.”
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) highlighted the numbers behind Shami’s Test career and thanked him for his performances in Indian colours.
“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.
Read More: Salman Khan Dismisses Rumours of Government Pressure to Change ‘Maatrubhumi’ Script
–IANS
