'One of the Finest': Azharuddin Urges BCCI to Hire Mohammed Shami as Coach After Test Retirement
Former captain Azharuddin reacts to Mohammed Shami's Test retirement, urging BCCI to hire the pacer for a coaching role to guide young bowlers.
Former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin has called upon the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to recognize the immense contribution of Mohammed Shami by offering him a coaching role. The plea comes after the veteran pacer announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, bringing a curtain down on a stellar 13-year journey in the longest format of the game.
A Poetic End to a Powerhouse Career
In a coincidence that mirrors the symmetry of his career, Mohammed Shami announced his departure from red-ball cricket on November 6—the very same date he made his Test debut 13 years ago. Shami’s career in Test cricket was marked by relentless precision and lethal pace, leaving behind a legacy of dominance.
Over the course of 64 Test matches, Shami claimed 229 wickets in 122 innings. His statistics tell the story of a bowler who could dismantle any batting lineup:
- Average: 27.71
- Economy Rate: 3.30
- Best Figures: 6/56
- Milestones: 12 four-wicket hauls and 6 five-wicket hauls
Azharuddin’s Surprise at the Timing
Speaking to ANI, Mohammed Azharuddin expressed a mix of sadness and surprise over the announcement. While he emphasized that Shami's decision must be respected, he admitted that he felt the pacer had more to give in the five-day format.
"I think whenever a player retires, it is a very sad thing because you get used to him playing for so many years... I did not think that he would retire so early. Because I always felt that he was a very good bowler for the five-day game," Azharuddin stated.
The former captain suggested that if Shami were to choose a format to leave, the One Day Internationals (ODIs) might have been a more logical choice than Test cricket, given Shami's proficiency in the longer game. However, he praised the bowler's immense hard work and consistent performance throughout his tenure.
The 'Kapil Dev' Mould: A Call for Coaching
Azharuddin did not hold back in praising Shami's skill level, placing him in an elite bracket of Indian fast bowlers. He described Shami as one of the finest pacers the country has seen since the legendary Kapil Dev.
While noting that Kapil Dev remains incomparable, Azharuddin remarked that Shami operated in the "same mould." It is this level of expertise that the former captain believes should be passed down to the next generation. With India currently boasting a wealth of young fast-bowling talent, Azharuddin believes Shami's experience is an invaluable asset that the BCCI should not let go to waste.
"I sincerely hope that the board will recognize his services and take his services in future for coaching or any other job," Azharuddin added, praying that Shami's knowledge helps shape the future of Indian fast bowling.
A Journey of Struggles and Triumph
Shami's final appearance in a Test match came during the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 final against Australia, where he took 2-122 and 2-39 in a match India eventually lost by 209 runs.
Reflecting on his career through a heartfelt video message on Instagram, Shami took a moment to look back at his roots. Coming from a small village, he spoke candidly about the hardships, the grueling battle with injuries, and the various emotional lows he encountered. Despite the obstacles, he noted that the pride of wearing the India jersey always drove him to bounce back.
The pacer expressed his deepest gratitude to the Almighty, his parents, family, friends, and colleagues. He also extended his thanks to the trainers, physiotherapists, coaches, and the millions of fans whose love and encouragement fueled his 13-year odyssey in Test cricket.