'No Matter How Much You Praise Him, It Is Less': Rajeev Shukla Hails Shami
BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla hails Mohammed Shami's Test career, dismissing rumors of board pressure after the pacer's retirement announcement.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has come out in strong support of Mohammed Shami following the pacer's decision to retire from Test cricket. Speaking on the departure of one of India's most lethal red-ball bowlers, Shukla emphasized that the 36-year-old's contribution to the national side was immense and deserves the highest praise.
A Legacy of Wickets and Skill
Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from the longest format of the game via an Instagram post on Friday. His career in white flannels was marked by an extraordinary ability to generate seam movement and swing, regardless of whether the ball was new or old. Over the course of 64 Test matches, Shami claimed a staggering 229 wickets, a tally that includes six five-wicket hauls.
Reflecting on Shami's impact, Rajeev Shukla told ANI that the bowler was a consistently impressive performer. He described Shami as a highly talented player who excelled in red-ball cricket, stating, "Mohammad Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, and I understand it is his own decision. He played very well, and his performance was very good... no matter how much you praise him, it is less."
BCCI Denies Pressure on Player
Amidst the announcement, questions arose regarding whether the cricket board had a role in the decision. However, the BCCI Vice-President was quick to dismiss any suggestions that the administration pressured the pacer to call time on his Test career.
Shukla clarified that the decision to retire rests solely with the individual athlete. He reiterated that the BCCI does not force players into retirement, adding, "The BCCI does not put any pressure on any player to take retirement; it is the player's own decision. He has made this decision; we are all with his decision, and we wish him the best."
The Road Ahead
While the curtain has fallen on his red-ball journey, Shami's connection with the Indian team is not entirely severed. The veteran pacer remains active in white-ball cricket, meaning fans will still see his trademark seam position and lethal deliveries in limited-overs formats.
As the cricketing world absorbs the loss of a premier Test weapon, the BCCI leadership has made it clear that Shami departs the longest format with the full respect and gratitude of the board.