Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, bringing an end to a 10-year career in the longest format during which he established himself as one of India’s most effective fast bowlers.
The 36-year-old made the announcement in an emotional video on social media, reflecting on the memories, challenges, injuries and comebacks that defined his journey.
“ Safed jersey se vida le raha hoon, lekin usse judi yaadon se kabhi nahi…” Shami wrote. The post loosely translates as ‘I am bidding farewell to the white jersey but would never part with the memories associated with it’.
“Test cricket isn’t just another format for me; it is a very important part of my life. With a heavy heart and a lot of memories, I have decided to retire from Tests,” he added.
Shami thanked his teammates, coaches, family and Indian supporters for standing by him through good and difficult times. He also acknowledged the role played by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) in his development.
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Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 6, 2013. He went on to play 64 Tests for India, claiming 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, with six five-wicket hauls. His best innings figures were 6/56.
His ability to extract movement off the pitch, generate reverse swing and consistently challenge batters with his seam position made him a key component of India’s pace attack across conditions.
Shami was particularly effective in overseas conditions, where his ability to maintain pressure over long spells complemented India’s pace-bowling resources. He was also part of the Indian side that reached the final of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021.
His last Test appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval on June 7, 2023. India lost the contest, and Shami did not feature in the national side’s subsequent Test assignments.
Injuries subsequently disrupted his international career, including a prolonged absence following the 2023 ODI World Cup, during which he had been one of India’s standout performers.
Published on Nov 06, 2026
