Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to his 13-year career in the longest format. The veteran Indian fast bowler shared an emotional message on Instagram, reflecting on his journey in the white jersey and thanking his teammates, coaches, family, the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

Shami's announcement comes after he remained out of India's Test plans for an extended period. His last appearance in the format came during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Despite returning to international cricket in limited-overs formats, Mohammed Shami was repeatedly overlooked for Test selection under head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Shami had not featured in a Test match since June 2023, with fitness concerns and the competition for places in India's pace attack keeping him away from the red-ball setup. His absence continued through multiple selection cycles, including India's recent squads, despite his efforts to regain match fitness through domestic cricket.

The legendary pacer confirmed his decision through an emotional Instagram post. He described Test cricket as much more than a format and recalled the challenges, injuries and comebacks that shaped his career.

"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."

Mohammed Shami also expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his time in the Indian team, particularly during difficult phases of his career.

"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.."

Mohammed Shami thanks BCCI and CAB

Shami also acknowledged the role played by the BCCI and CAB in his development as an international cricketer. The Bengal pacer thanked both organisations for backing his talent and giving him opportunities to represent India.

"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," Mohammed Shami stated.

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

Mohammed Shami an absolute legend of Test cricket

Mohammed Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 6, 2013. He went on to become one of India's most reliable fast bowlers, particularly with his ability to generate seam movement and strike with the old ball.

His final Test appearance came against Australia in the 2023 WTC final at The Oval, played from June 7 to 11. Across 64 Tests, Shami claimed 229 wickets at an average of 27.71 and an economy rate of 3.30. His best innings figures were 6/56, while his best match figures stood at 9/118. He finished with six five-wicket hauls.

With the bat, Shami scored 750 runs at an average of 12.09, including two half-centuries and a highest score of 56 not out. His contribution with the ball, however, defined his Test career. India have lost an experienced fast bowler, whose 229 wickets made him an important part of the team's attack across a decade of international cricket.