Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on November 6, 2026, bringing down the curtain on a distinguished red-ball career that spanned 64 matches for India. The 36-year-old veteran collected 229 wickets across those appearances at an average of 27.71, finishing as the 12th highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket and the sixth among pace bowlers.
Shami chose to make the announcement on a date that carries personal significance: November 6, 2013 was the day he pulled on India’s Test whites for the first time, meaning his retirement came exactly 13 years after his debut. He confirmed that he will continue to play white-ball cricket, both at the international level and in domestic competitions, including the Indian Premier League.
Shami shared a heartfelt statement to mark the occasion.
“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,” Shami wrote in a post via his social media handles.
He also expressed gratitude to those who stood by him throughout his career.
“I am bidding farewell to the white kit, but never to the memories associated with it. 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.”
Why did Shami step away from Test cricket?
Shami’s path through Test cricket was not without serious setbacks. Knee-related problems kept him out of the national side for a considerable period, and he also underwent ankle surgery that further disrupted his availability. His last appearance in a Test match came at The Oval during the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia, after which he was unable to reclaim his place in the red-ball squad.
He made a comeback to international cricket in the T20 format in January 2025, earning selection for the Champions Trophy squad. However, after the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, Shami did not feature in any international format. In the domestic arena, he continued to represent Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, playing three matches in the current season, and was also named in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 squad. he said, reflecting on his decision to step away from the longest format.
What does Shami’s Test record show?
Across 64 Tests, Shami claimed 229 wickets at 27.71 and registered six five-wicket hauls, underlining his consistency as a frontline pace bowler for India against the strongest opposition. He troubled batters from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, among others, and was a key figure during India’s ODI World Cup campaigns as well.
His debut at Eden Gardens against West Indies in November 2013 set the tone for what would follow. That match produced a return of 9 wickets for 118 runs across the two innings, an immediate statement of his ability at the highest level. The 2023 World Test Championship Final against Australia at The Oval stands as his final Test appearance, a fitting stage for a bowler of his standing. Shami’s place among the top 12 wicket-takers in Test history and sixth among pace bowlers confirms the scale of what he achieved across 13 years in the format.
