India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing down the curtain on a 13-year career in the longest format.
The 36-year-old confirmed the decision in an emotional video posted on his social media accounts on Friday, exactly 13 years to the day after he made his Test debut. “I am bidding farewell to the white jersey, but never to the memories associated with it,” he wrote.
Shami made his debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 6 November 2013, taking nine wickets in the match, and went on to become one of the most dependable seam bowlers India has produced in the modern era. He finished his Test career with 229 wickets from 64 matches at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls and best figures of six for 56.
His final Test appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. Persistent injuries kept him out of the side after that, and he has not played international cricket since the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025.
Shami was at his best when the ball moved late and the pitch offered little, and he built a reputation as a bowler captains turned to when a breakthrough was needed. Of his 229 wickets, 145 came away from home, a mark of how effective he was in conditions that did not always favour him. He was a central figure in India’s pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma during a period in which India won Test series in Australia and competed consistently overseas.
Tributes poured in from across the game after the announcement. India bowling coach Morne Morkel praised Shami’s skill, character and contribution to the dressing room, while commentator Harsha Bhogle and former India players including Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Munaf Patel and Irfan Pathan also paid tribute. The International Cricket Council marked the announcement on its own channels.
The retirement applies only to Test cricket. Shami said he will continue to play white-ball cricket, including the Indian Premier League and domestic tournaments, and on Friday he was named in Bengal’s 19-member squad for the 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
“Test cricket has not just been a format for me; it has been a deeply special part of my life,” Shami wrote. “Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I am announcing my retirement from Test cricket.”
Sources: Nation Press — https://www.nationpress.com/sports/shami-retires-from-test-cricket ; CricToday — https://crictoday.com/news/mohammed-shami-retires-from-test-cricket-12790766 ; Geo Super — https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/61086-mohammed-shami-retires-from-test-cricket
