Shami announces retirement from Tests
The 36-year-old seamer picked up 229 wickets from 64 Tests for India
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket. Shami played 64 games for India in the red-ball format, picking 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls. His last appearance in Test cricket was in the 2023 World Test Championship final, which India lost to Australia at The Oval.
"Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I am taking the decision to retire from Test cricket," Shami wrote in a social media post late on Friday (November 6). "A thank you to every teammate, coach, family member, and crores of Indians who supported me throughout this journey and kept their faith in me during the good and tough times."
Shami made his Test debut at the Eden Gardens against West Indies ironically on the same day as his Test retirement, exactly 13 years ago. On debut, he made a stunning impression with a match haul of 9 for 118 that remained his best over the course of his career. Renowned for using reverse swing to great effect in the sub-continent, Shami quickly established himself as a key member of India's bowling attack in overseas conditions as well. Four of his six five-wicket hauls came in Australia and South Africa.
Even though he suffered multiple injury setbacks, Shami often staged a strong comeback to regain his spot in the Indian XI. After a memorable outing in the home ODI World Cup in 2023, Shami underwent ankle surgery and also suffered from knee-related issues that kept him out of the national side for a considerable period of time.
In January 2025, he made his long-awaited comeback in the T20 format and was subsequently picked in the Champions Trophy squad as well. However, post the final against New Zealand, Shami hasn't featured in any format for the national side, but has regularly been featuring in the IPL and in domestic cricket as well for Bengal. In the ongoing domestic season, he has already played three Ranji Trophy games for Bengal and has also been named in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 squad. With 229 scalps, Shami finishes his Test career as India's 12th highest wicket-taker in the format - sixth amongst pacers.
"I am bidding farewell to the white kit, but never to the memories associated with it," Shami wrote further. "When I first wore the India Test jersey, I had just one dream, to achieve something for my country. After that, every wicket, every struggle, every injury, and every comeback has taught me something. Test cricket isn’t just a format for me, it has been a very special part of my life. Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I am taking the decision to retire from Test cricket. Even though I have bowled my last ball in Test cricket, I will always carry the pride of playing for India in my heart. Thank you, Test cricket."
