Mohammed Shami has said goodbye to Test cricket, ending a 13-year journey in India’s white jersey. The 36-year-old announced his retirement on November 6, the same date on which he made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in 2013. He finished with 229 wickets from 64 matches, placing him among India’s most successful fast bowlers.

Shami’s announcement carried an emotional note. He thanked teammates, coaches, family, and supporters who stood by him through good times and difficult ones. This is not a complete farewell to cricket, though. He plans to continue playing white-ball cricket and remains open to domestic multi-day matches.

A Debut That Set the Tone

Shami made an immediate impression in Test cricket. On debut in Kolkata, he claimed nine wickets against the West Indies, helping India secure an innings victory. His pace, ability to hit the seam, and control of the older ball soon made him a regular part of the attack.

Across 64 Tests, he collected six five-wicket hauls. His impact was not limited to home conditions. Shami took 145 wickets in 41 away Tests, showing his value on challenging surfaces. The 2018 Johannesburg Test against South Africa was among his memorable outings, when his second-innings spell helped India earn a win.

Injuries Could Not Keep Him Away

There were difficult stretches along the way. Ankle surgery and knee problems interrupted Shami’s career and kept him out of the national side for long periods. He worked his way back, but his final Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval.

He was part of India’s pace attack during overseas campaigns, often sharing the workload with his fellow quicks. Shami leaves the format as India’s sixth-highest wicket-taking fast bowler.

The White-Ball Chapter Continues

Retirement from Tests does not mean Shami is walking away from competitive cricket. He has continued to feature for Bengal in domestic cricket and remains part of the IPL setup. He is also expected to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Replacing his experience in India’s Test attack will not be simple. Shami can now turn his attention to the formats ahead. His final Test has been played, but supporters may yet see him running in with the ball in hand.

Safed jersey se vida le raha hoon, lekin usse judi yaadon se kabhi nahi… 🇮🇳❤️

Jab pehli baar Bharat ki Test jersey pehni thi, tab sirf ek sapna tha — apne desh ke liye kuch kar dikhane ka..

Uske baad har wicket, har sangharsh, har chot aur har comeback ne mujhe kuch na kuch sikhaya.

Test cricket mere liye sirf ek format nahi, meri zindagi ka ek behad khaas hissa raha hai.

Aaj bhaari dil aur anginat khoobsurat yaadon ke saath main Test cricket se retirement lene ka faisla kar raha hoon.

Is safar mein mera saath dene wale har teammate, coach, family aur un karodon Bharatiyon ka dil se shukriya, jinhone achhe aur mushkil dono waqt mein mujh par bharosa banaye rakha..

BCCI aur Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) ka bhi dil se shukriya, jinhone mere talent par bharosa kiya, mujhe aage badhne ke mauke diye aur mere cricket ke safar mein ek aham bhoomika nibhayi. Aapka saath aur vishwas mere liye hamesha khaas rahega.

Maidan par meri aakhri Test ball bhale hi fenki ja chuki ho, lekin Bharat ke liye khelne ka garv hamesha mere dil mein zinda rahega.

Shukriya, Test Cricket. ❤️

Aapka Shami 🇮🇳

#Mdshami11 #Mdshami #TestCricket #Retirement

— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) November 6, 2026