‘Legends don't say goodbye’: Ex-cricketer's tribute for Shami after retirement

Former India cricketer and ex-Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary paid an emotional tribute to Mohammed Shami after the veteran fast bowler announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, bringing the curtain down on a 12-year career in the longest format. Tiwary, who had the opportunity to lead Bengal with Shami in his bowling attack, took to X to reflect on the pacer's impact and recall his association with the speedster. He described Shami as a warrior, while also highlighting the lasting memories he had created through his performances in the red-ball format. "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 wrote. Recalling his time as Bengal captain, he added: "This what it meant to me When I was leading the bengal team and having Shami in the bowling line up. Warrior at heart" Shami's announcement brings an end to an impressive Test career spanning 64 matches, during which he picked up 229 wickets. The 36-year-old made the announcement through an Instagram post, confirming that while he would no longer represent India in the white jersey, he intended to continue playing white-ball cricket. "I am leaving the white jersey, but never the memories connected to it. When I first wore India's Test jersey, I had only a dream — to do something for my country. After that every wicket, every struggle, every injury and every comeback taught me something," Shami wrote. "Test cricket is not just a format for me, it is a very special part of my life. Today I am deciding to retire from Test cricket with a heavy heart and unlimited beautiful memories," he added.

A 12-year journey in India's Test colours

Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013. He ended his career with 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls.

His ability to extract movement through seam and swing with both the new and old ball made him a crucial member of India's pace attack across different conditions. Of his 229 wickets, 131 came in 35 Tests played in South Africa, the West Indies and India, where he maintained an average of under 25. South Africa witnessed some of Shami's finest performances in Test cricket. During India's 2018 tour, he produced a match-winning spell of 5/28 in the second innings of the Johannesburg Test, helping the visitors secure a consolation victory. On India's subsequent visit to the country, he continued his impressive record by claiming eight wickets in the series-opening Test at Centurion. Shami's final appearance in Test cricket came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's. Injuries later disrupted his career, and he remained out of the Indian team after the 2025 Champions Trophy, before deciding to bring his red-ball journey to a close.