Mohammad Shami with bowling coach Morne Morkel (PTI Photo)
Speaking to host broadcasters Sony Sports during a pre-match interview, Morkel described Shami as a highly skilled cricketer and someone whose presence made a difference in the dressing room. He also recalled how the pacer helped him become familiar with the team’s environment when he first joined the set-up.
Morkel, who became part of head coach Gautam Gambhir ‘s coaching staff in 2024, said Shami played an important role in helping him understand the team’s culture and communication. they shared a brief stint during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which was Shami’s last appearance in an India jersey Although the two did not get an opportunity to work together in the Test format. However, the 36-year-old is not stepping away from the game altogether.
So a sad day to see him go,” Morkel said. Former South Africa fast bowler and India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has paid tribute to Mohammed Shami following the Indian pacer’s decision to retire from Test cricket, recalling how the Bengal speedster helped him settle into the Indian dressing room during his early days with the team. “Yeah, I was quite fortunate when I first started with the group for Shami to be a part of the team. You know, highly skillful player, a quality guy to have around in the group. And I was quite lucky when I joined for him to bring sort of the Indian language into the dressing room. He helped me quite a lot. He intends to continue playing white-ball cricket for Bengal and feature in the Indian Premier League for some more time.