“Some legends don’t say goodbye” – Former cricketers and fans react to Mohammad Shami’s Test retirement

Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, drawing an outpouring of emotional tributes from cricket enthusiasts across the globe who praised his upright seam presentation, resilience against injuries, and match-winning overseas spells.

The 36-year-old pacer, who confirmed he will remain available for limited-overs selection, shared the news through a statement posted on his official Instagram account, exactly 13 years after donning the baggy blue cap on debut.

“Safed jersey se vida le raha hoon, lekin usse judi yaadon se kabhi nahi (I am bidding farewell to the white jersey, but never to the memories associated with it),” Shami wrote in his announcement.

“When I wore India’s Test jersey for the first time, I had only one dream — to do something for my country. Since then, every wicket, every struggle, every injury, and every comeback has taught me something. Test cricket has not just been a format for me, it has been a deeply special part of my life. Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I am announcing my retirement from Test cricket,” he added.

Within minutes of the upload, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from supporters reminiscing about his standout spells in South Africa, England, and Australia.

Former Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary, who led Shami during his formative domestic campaigns, joined supporters in hailing the fast bowler’s impact.

“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,” Tiwary posted on X. “This what it meant to me. When I was leading the bengal team and having Shami in the bowling line up. Warrior at heart.”

Here are some reactions:

Mohammad Shami’s Test career in a nutshell

Shami took 229 wickets in 64 Tests at 27.71, across 122 innings, with six five-wicket hauls and best innings figures of 6/56. He retires as India’s sixth-highest wicket-taking fast bowler.

The debut set the tone. He took 4/71 and 5/47 at Eden Gardens as India beat West Indies by an innings and 51 runs, and that match haul of 9/118 remains his best. He claimed 5/28 in the second innings at Johannesburg in 2018 and eight wickets at Centurion on the next South African tour. Of his 229 wickets, 131 came in 35 Tests in India, South Africa and the West Indies at an average under 25.

His last Test ball came in the 2023 World Test Championship final at The Oval, where he took 2/122 and 2/39 in a 209-run defeat to Australia. Later that year, he topped the wicket charts at the ODI World Cup with 24.

Edited by Ankush Das