Former Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has rated Mohammed Shami as the most dangerous bowler to face in the nets after the pacer announced his Test retirement on Saturday. Shami will continue to play in the limited-overs format.
Shami scalped 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls, in 64 Test matches for India. Rahane praised Shami for having a successful red-ball career and delivering the goods for the team.
“Whether it’s Tests or ODIs, he has bowled and won matches. He has gone through challenging times, but he has shown commitment and intent by coming to the ground. I would want to say that we were lucky that he was in our team,” Rahane said on Sony Sports.
Rahane lauded Shami for always having the confidence and positive attitude in the team.
“He was the most dangerous bowler to face in the nets, the way he used to bowl. Amazing seam position. Whenever there was a situation, he used to say he would win the match. This was his attitude always,” he added.
Rahane said Shami should have been part of India’s Test squad in the last couple of years. Shami last played for India in the Test format in the 2023 WTC final against Australia.
“I definitely feel like that. He tried as well, especially Test cricket, the way he was playing and bowling. An experienced player who has played so much went and played domestic cricket, gave his all, and did well,” he said.
The former Indian skipper said he was hoping that Shami would make a comeback in the Test team like Bhuvneshwar Kumar made a comeback in the T20I side.
“You cannot expect an experienced player to perform always. Your experience comes in handy. I was hoping for him to get a chance, just like Bhuvi made a comeback. He has skill and magic in his hand. He was picking up wickets in Ranji as well. I wanted to see him play Test cricket one more time because of the kind of effort he put in,” Rahane observed.
In the ongoing domestic season, Shami has already played three Ranji Trophy games for Bengal and has also been named in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 squad.
