Atul Wassan Critiques Handling of Mohammed Shami's Retirement from Test Cricket
Atul Wassan Critiques Mohammed Shami's Retirement Handling
Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan has voiced his disappointment regarding the way Mohammed Shami's Test career concluded. He believes that the talented fast bowler deserved a more dignified farewell, acknowledging his significant contributions to Indian cricket. Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, marking the end of his 13-year journey in this format, coinciding with the anniversary of his debut on November 6, 2013.
Shami's Impressive Test Career Stats
During his time with the Indian team, Shami played in 64 Test matches, taking 229 wickets across 122 innings. His bowling average stood at 27.71, with an economy rate of 3.30. Notably, his best bowling figures were 6/56, and he achieved 12 four-wicket hauls and six five-wicket hauls.
Criticism of Team Management and Age Bias
In his remarks, Wassan praised Shami's talent and resilience, expressing sorrow over the abrupt end to his Test career, especially after Shami's efforts to return through domestic cricket. He stated, "What a story, coming from where he did and with his bad knees, and just performing the way he has done all over the world. Such a pure, gifted, and talented bowler. Just breaks my heart to see him go the way he has gone."
Shami's last appearance in Test cricket was during the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 final against Australia, where he recorded figures of 2-122 and 2-39 in a match that India lost by 209 runs. Despite his strong performances in domestic leagues, Shami was unable to secure a return to the Test squad, with many hoping for a chance similar to that of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was recalled after consistent IPL performances.
Wassan pointed out a prevailing bias against age in Indian cricket, suggesting that Shami could have been utilized for a few more seasons, especially considering his recovery from injuries. He remarked, "There's somehow a bias against age in India. If India needed, they could have extracted a couple of seasons out of him, and the way he has come back from injury and everything, and just to give him a fairytale ending also."
Lack of Respect for Senior Players
Wassan expressed concern that Indian cricket lacks the necessary respect and grace towards senior players. He suggested that Shami's chances of a comeback were limited under head coach Gautam Gambhir, lamenting the end of Shami's Test career. He stated, "I think Indian cricket lacks that kind of grace and kind of niceness where somebody who has done so well, somebody who's giving you the services, and just to let him go at his kind of pace and the way he wants. Something which gives some respect."
He acknowledged the selectors' need to develop young fast bowlers ahead of the World Cup but emphasized that experienced players like Shami deserve respect and should still be considered for major tournaments. "On the other side, I can feel for the selectors also because they've got such a pool of bowlers. They also need to groom these bowlers," he added.