Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtain down on a 13-year career in the longest format during which he established himself as one of India's most dependable fast bowlers. The 36-year-old confirmed his decision through an emotional social media message on Friday, November 6, 2026, while indicating that he intends to continue playing white-ball cricket.

Shami's announcement came exactly 13 years after he made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 6, 2013. He finishes his career with 229 wickets from 64 Test matches at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls.

Mohammed Shami's Emotional Farewell to Test Cricket

In his retirement message, Shami expressed gratitude to the format that shaped a significant part of his cricketing journey. He thanked his teammates, coaches, family, supporters, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Cricket Association of Bengal for standing by him throughout his career.

Describing the experience as unforgettable, the fast bowler reflected on the memories and opportunities Test cricket had given him. His farewell marked the end of a journey that began in Kolkata and took him to some of the biggest cricketing stages around the world.

Shami's Test Career: 229 Wickets in 64 Matches

Shami's numbers reflect his importance to India's bowling attack over more than a decade. His ability to generate seam movement, maintain pace and exploit reverse swing made him particularly effective in challenging conditions.

His best Test bowling figures were 6/56, while his six five-wicket hauls included several influential performances. He also played an important role in India's overseas campaigns, helping the team build a formidable fast-bowling unit alongside Jasprit Bumrah and other frontline pacers.

Shami's contribution was not limited to conditions favourable to fast bowling. His consistency and ability to produce crucial breakthroughs made him a regular presence in India's Test plans for several years.

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… pic.twitter.com/hBsH0z7YQl

— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) November 6, 2026

Why Did Mohammed Shami Stop Playing Test Cricket?

Shami's final Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in England. Injuries subsequently disrupted his international career, with ankle and knee problems affecting his availability and opportunities to return to the longest format. Despite his absence from the Test side, he continued to remain involved in competitive cricket, including domestic tournaments and the Indian Premier League.

Is Mohammed Shami Retiring From ODI and T20 Cricket?

No. Shami's announcement is limited to Test cricket and does not signal his retirement from all forms of the game. He intends to continue playing limited-overs cricket, including ODIs and T20s, subject to fitness and selection.

His departure leaves India without one of the most experienced fast bowlers of the last decade in Test cricket. However, his decision does not necessarily mean the end of his international journey. For Indian cricket, Shami's retirement closes an important chapter in its modern fast-bowling history, while the possibility of seeing him in white-ball cricket remains.