Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami announces retirement from Test cricket

Experienced and brilliant Indian cricket team fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket. Shami conveyed this decision on Friday, 6 November, 2026, by sharing an extremely emotional message on social media. He stated that while he is bidding farewell to the white jersey, the memories associated with it will stay with him forever. However, Shami clarified that he is not retiring from cricket completely, but will continue to play in limited-overs formats such as One Day Internationals (ODI) and T20s. If required, he may also play domestic first-class cricket to maintain his fitness.

According to a report by Amar Ujala, the 36-year-old Shami has put an end to his Test career by sharing a post on Instagram. In his message, Shami wrote, "I am bidding farewell to the white jersey, but never to the memories associated with it. When I first wore India's Test jersey, it was just a dream - to do something for my country." He further added that every wicket, every struggle, every injury, and every comeback since then has taught him something new. For him, Test cricket was not just a game format, but has been an extremely special part of his life.

As per a report by Aaj Tak, the end of Shami's Test career is linked to a special coincidence. Shami played his first Test match against West Indies on 6 November, 2013, at the Eden Gardens ground in Kolkata. Exactly 13 years later, on the same date, he has announced his retirement from this format. Shami stated in his message that he has taken the decision to retire from Test cricket with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories.

Shami expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him during his long career. He wholeheartedly thanked his teammates, coaches, family members, and millions of Indian fans who maintained faith in him through both good and difficult times. Additionally, Shami specially thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). He wrote that both these organisations believed in his talent, provided him opportunities to progress, and played a significant role in his cricket journey. Shami said that the support and trust of these organisations will always be special to him. He concluded emotionally, saying that although his last Test ball has been bowled on the field, the pride of playing for India will always remain alive in his heart.

According to a report by Sportstar, Mohammed Shami maintained his dominance in Test cricket for over 10 years, during which he emerged as one of India's most effective fast bowlers. Shami was known for his ability to get movement in his bowling, reverse swing, and constantly challenging batsmen through seam position. He proved particularly effective in overseas conditions, where his ability to maintain pressure by bowling for long spells complemented India's pace-bowling arsenal. He was also part of the Indian team that reached the final of the first ICC World Test Championship in 2021.

Statistically, Shami has played a total of 64 Test matches for India and has taken 229 wickets. His bowling average has been 27.71. During this period, he achieved the feat of taking five or more wickets in an innings six times. His best innings figures were 6/56. Shami also faced several injuries during his career. He underwent ankle surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup and was also away from the field for a long time due to knee issues. His last Test match was played in June 2023 against Australia in the final of the World Test Championship at the Oval, where India faced defeat.

Shami made a comeback through T20 cricket in January 2025 and subsequently earned a place in the Champions Trophy team as well. However, after the final against New Zealand, he was unable to play for the Indian team in any format. Shami's Test career journey has now concluded with a collection of memories, but his contribution in ODIs and T20s is expected to continue.