India fast bowler Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, November 6, bringing an end to his 13-year career in the longest format. He will, however, continue playing white-ball cricket.
Shami finished his Test career with 229 wickets from 64 matches at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls. He is among India’s most successful fast bowlers in the format.
The 36-year-old announced his decision through an Instagram post and a video message recorded at his farmhouse in Sahaspur Alinagar village in Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha district.
“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.
He described Test cricket as a special part of his life and said he was stepping away with “unlimited beautiful memories”.
Shami Reflects on 13-Year Test Career
Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013. He was India’s 279th Test player.
Reflecting on his journey, he said the format had shaped his identity as a cricketer.
“It’s been a long journey of 13 years. Starting from this village, I have worked very hard, seen many ups and downs, and finally, on this day, November 6, I received my Test cap and the red ball,” he said.
He also thanked his coaches, trainers and supporters for their role in his career.
Shami became a key part of India’s pace attack through his ability to generate seam movement and swing with both the new and old ball. Some of his notable performances came in South Africa.
During India’s 2018 tour, he took five wickets for 28 runs in the second innings of the Johannesburg Test, helping India secure a consolation victory. On the next tour, he claimed eight wickets in the opening Test at Centurion.
His last Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in London.
Shami to Continue Playing White-Ball Cricket
Injuries disrupted Shami’s career in recent years. He has not played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy, but remains active in domestic cricket.
Clarifying that his retirement did not mark the end of his playing career, Shami said he would continue in white-ball formats, including domestic competitions and the Indian Premier League.
“If I am fit, I will continue playing four-day cricket, but this is the end of my international Test career. My journey in this format ends here,” he said.
Shami has been named in Bengal’s squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scheduled to begin on November 14. He also played three Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal in the ongoing season, taking 14 wickets.
He concluded his message by thanking the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Cricket Association of Bengal, and expressing hope that more young cricketers would emerge from across the country.
