Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla is disappointed that Mohammed Shami could not make a comeback to India's Test team before retiring from the longest format. He wanted Mohammed Shami to return to international cricket and end his Test journey in the national jersey.

Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday night, bringing an end to a successful 13-year career. The 36-year-old finished with 229 wickets in 64 Tests, including six five-wicket hauls. Read Also: Ajinkya Rahane reveals Mohammed Shami’s unusual recovery routine after a match.

Laxmi Ratan Shukla disappointed over Mohammed Shami's Test retirement

Laxmi Ratan Shukla said that he and many others were hoping to see Mohammed Shami return to India's Test team. However, he felt that things did not go as they had wished. He also praised the fast bowler for continuing to work hard for Bengal despite having played so much international cricket.

Shami’s last Test appearance for India came in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final against Australia. He has not played a Test since then but continued to represent Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Shukla was especially impressed by Shami's dedication to domestic cricket. He said he had rarely seen a fast bowler work so hard for his state team after taking so many wickets for India across all formats. He also praised Shami's record in Test cricket and called him a wonderful player and person.

Shukla praises Shami's dedication to Bengal

Shukla said in a video posted on his Instagram account: “Despite all of that, playing and practising for Bengal for the last two years in Ranji Trophy, Mushtaq Ali, and Vijay Hazare - I mean, you are the best, Shami. You are outstanding. 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.”

He added, “Outstanding Mohammed Shami. A wonderful record in Test cricket for a wonderful player and human being. I would like to share one more thing with all of you: Mohammed Shami has put so much effort into it. 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.”

Shukla opens up on Shami's Bengal connection

Shukla highlighted Shami's strong connection with Bengal. He pointed out that Shami started his red-ball journey with Bengal, and his Test career has now come to an end after spending his final years playing domestic cricket for the same team.

He signed off by saying, “You started with us in the red ball, and now your Test match career ended with us. Our association is also very good. They have always supported you a lot. What you have done for Bengal is amazing. Mohammed Shami is and will always be a great inspiration. Love you, my brother. See you soon.”

Mohammed Shami set for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026 after Test retirement

Shami has been one of India's most successful fast bowlers, particularly in overseas conditions. He picked up 145 wickets in 41 away tests at an average of 30.33. In home tests, he was even more effective, taking 76 wickets at an average of 22.1.

Although he has retired from Test cricket, Shami will continue playing white-ball cricket. He has been included in Bengal's 19-member squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026, which will get underway on November 14.

Bengal will open its campaign against Karnataka at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on November 14. The team has been placed in Elite Group A alongside Karnataka, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Baroda, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. All the league matches in this group will take place in Mumbai.